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 ~4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellow, bluish, colorless.
- 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
- ~4
- Density
- 3.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline aggregates, crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a hydrothermal polymetallic barite–fluorite deposit (Clara mine, Germany)
Where rockhounds find arsenogorceixite
Classic worldwide localities
- Found in the Clara mine, near Oberwolfach, and the Michael mine, Weiler, near Lahr, Black Forest, Germany
- Bali Lo copper prospect, 11 km west-southwest of Ashburton Downs homestead, Capricorn Range, Western Australia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a hydrothermal polymetallic barite–fluorite deposit (Clara mine, Germany). If you start seeing arsenogoyazite, brochantite, agardite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify arsenogorceixite?+
Where is arsenogorceixite found?+
Is arsenogorceixite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like arsenogorceixite?+
What minerals are found with arsenogorceixite?+
What kind of rock does arsenogorceixite form in?+
What is arsenogorceixite used for?+
Find arsenogorceixite on the map
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