Arsenogorceixite is an extremely rare phosphate-arsenate mineral of the plumbogummite group found in the oxidized zones of ore deposits. It typically forms as small crusts or microcrystalline coatings on other minerals, making it a challenging species for collectors to identify without analytical testing.
Is this arsenogorceixite?
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 arsenogorceixite with a known reference. Arsenogorceixite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arsenogorceixite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Arsenogorceixite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Arsenogorceixite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside arsenogorceixite
Minerals reported to co-occur with arsenogorceixite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaAl₃(AsO₄)(AsO₃OH)(OH)₆
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 4.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Base Metal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find arsenogorceixite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
- Schwarzwald, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base metal deposits country, the host setting where arsenogorceixite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, arseniosiderite, mimetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify arsenogorceixite?+
Where is arsenogorceixite found?+
How much is arsenogorceixite worth?+
Is arsenogorceixite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like arsenogorceixite?+
What minerals are found with arsenogorceixite?+
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Find arsenogorceixite on the map
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