Angelellite is a rare iron arsenate mineral primarily found in specific hydrothermal deposits in Argentina. Collectors should look for its distinctive tabular red-to-brown crystals often associated with hematite or bixbyite.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Subadamantine

Streak

Reddish-brown

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Angelellite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Subadamantine
Streak: Reddish-brown
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this angelellite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch angelellite with a known reference. Angelellite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Angelellite leaves a reddish-brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Angelellite typically shows a subadamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, brownish-red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Angelellite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Iron Ore

Mohs 5-6.5

How to tell apart: Iron Ore is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6.5 vs. 3.5); streak differs — Angelellite leaves reddish-brown, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads subadamantine on Angelellite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.

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Often found alongside angelellite

Minerals reported to co-occur with angelellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe₄(AsO₄)₂O₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Red Brownish-red
Streak: Reddish-brown
Luster: Subadamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find angelellite

Classic worldwide localities

Cerro de los Llameros, Argentina

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where angelellite typically forms. If you start seeing hematite, quartz, bixbyite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify angelellite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a subadamantine luster. The streak is reddish-brown. Common colors include red, brownish-red.

Where is angelellite found?+

Notable localities include Cerro de los Llameros, Argentina.

How much is angelellite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is angelellite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust when breaking specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like angelellite?+

Angelellite is most often confused with Iron Ore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with angelellite?+

Angelellite commonly co-occurs with Hematite, Quartz, Bixbyite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does angelellite form in?+

Angelellite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is angelellite used for?+

Angelellite is used in collector.

Find angelellite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.