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, so 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, 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.