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 — that is 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?+
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Find arsenolamprite on the map
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