Arsenolite is a secondary mineral that forms as a white, often powdery alteration product of arsenic-bearing sulfides. Because it is highly soluble in water and very toxic, it is best kept in sealed containers and handled with extreme care by experienced collectors.
Is this arsenolite?
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 arsenolite with a known reference. Arsenolite sits at Mohs 1.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arsenolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Arsenolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellowish, reddish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, crusts, or earthy masses.
Often confused with
Arsenolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside arsenolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with arsenolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- As₂O₃
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5
- Density
- 3.87 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals, Crusts, Or Earthy Masses
- Cleavage
- Poor On {111}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find arsenolite
Classic worldwide localities
- St. Andreasberg, Germany
- Jachymov, Czech Republic
- Karrarer, Morocco
- Bisbee, Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where arsenolite typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, arsenopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, crusts, or earthy masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find arsenolite on the map
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