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Arakiite is an extremely rare zinc-manganese arsenate mineral typically found in metamorphosed ore deposits. It usually appears as small, orange tabular crystals or granular aggregates, often occurring alongside other rare arsenate minerals in the Langban mining district of Sweden.

Hardness
4
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
Yellowish-orange
Transparency
Translucent

Is this arakiite?

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 arakiite with a known reference. Arakiite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arakiite leaves a yellowish-orange streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Arakiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: orange, brownish-orange.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

Hematolite mineral
mineral
Hematolite
Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Arakiite leaves yellowish-orange, Hematolite leaves yellowish brown.

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Dixenite mineral
mineral
Dixenite
Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Arakiite leaves yellowish-orange, Dixenite leaves brownish-red.

Compare →

Often found alongside arakiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula
(Zn,Mn)₉(As,Sb)₂O₆(OH)₁₈
Mohs hardness
4
Density
4.55 g/cm³
Colors
OrangeBrownish-orange
Streak
Yellowish-orange
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Translucent
Crystal system
Hexagonal
Crystal habit
Tabular Crystals, Subhedral Grains
Cleavage
Perfect Basal
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price
$200-1000+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find arakiite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Langban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where arakiite typically forms. If you start seeing phyrisite, sahlite, brandtite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify arakiite?+
Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellowish-orange. Common colors include orange, brownish-orange.
Where is arakiite found?+
Notable localities include Langban, Sweden.
How much is arakiite worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
Is arakiite safe to handle?+
It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.
What rocks look like arakiite?+
Arakiite is most often confused with Hematolite, Dixenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with arakiite?+
Arakiite commonly co-occurs with Phyrisite, Sahlite, Brandtite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does arakiite form in?+
Arakiite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is arakiite used for?+
Arakiite is used in collector.

Find arakiite on the map

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

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