Arsenolamprite is a rare polymorph of native arsenic characterized by its lamellar or foliated habit and distinct cleavage. It is typically found in low-temperature hydrothermal veins and is highly sought after by mineral collectors due to its scarcity and unique crystal structure.
Is this arsenolamprite?
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 arsenolamprite with a known reference. Arsenolamprite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arsenolamprite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Arsenolamprite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: lamellar, foliated, massive.
Often confused with
Arsenolamprite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside arsenolamprite
Minerals reported to co-occur with arsenolamprite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- As
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 5.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Lamellar, Foliated, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find arsenolamprite
Classic worldwide localities
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- Canada
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where arsenolamprite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenic, calcite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar, foliated, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify arsenolamprite?+
Where is arsenolamprite found?+
How much is arsenolamprite worth?+
Is arsenolamprite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like arsenolamprite?+
What minerals are found with arsenolamprite?+
What kind of rock does arsenolamprite form in?+
What is arsenolamprite used for?+
Find arsenolamprite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
