Arsenbrackebuschite is a rare secondary mineral found in the oxidized zones of lead-arsenic mineral deposits. It typically forms as small, tabular or prismatic yellow-brown crystals and is prized by collectors of rare arsenate species.
Is this arsenbrackebuschite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch arsenbrackebuschite with a known reference. Arsenbrackebuschite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arsenbrackebuschite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Arsenbrackebuschite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Arsenbrackebuschite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Arsenbrackebuschite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3-3.5); streak differs — Arsenbrackebuschite leaves yellow, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish-red; luster reads vitreous on Arsenbrackebuschite and greasy to adamantine on Descloizite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Arsenbrackebuschite leaves yellow, Austinite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Arsenbrackebuschite leaves yellow, Conichalcite leaves light green.
Often found alongside arsenbrackebuschite
Minerals reported to co-occur with arsenbrackebuschite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Fe³⁺(AsO₄)₂(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 6.14 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Prismatic Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-arsenic Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find arsenbrackebuschite
Classic worldwide localities
- Argentina
- Germany
- Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-arsenic deposits country — that is the host setting where arsenbrackebuschite typically forms. If you start seeing mimetite, beudantite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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