Arsenquatrandorite is an extremely rare sulfosalt mineral primarily found in polymetallic hydrothermal deposits. It is identified by its metallic, lead-gray appearance and distinct striations on prismatic crystals, requiring professional chemical analysis for definitive identification.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareQuatrandorite family

Arsenquatrandorite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this arsenquatrandorite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch arsenquatrandorite with a known reference. Arsenquatrandorite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, steel-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, striated, massive.

Often confused with

Arsenquatrandorite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside arsenquatrandorite

Minerals reported to co-occur with arsenquatrandorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₁₇.₆Pb₁₂.₈Sb₃₈.₁As₁₁.₅S₉₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Colors: Lead-gray Steel-gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic, striated, massive
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: hydrothermal veins

Where rockhounds find arsenquatrandorite

Classic worldwide localities

Barika gold deposit, Sardasht, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: hydrothermal veins. If you start seeing stannite, arsenopyrite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, striated, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify arsenquatrandorite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, steel-gray.

Where is arsenquatrandorite found?+

Notable localities include Barika gold deposit, Sardasht, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran.

Is arsenquatrandorite safe to handle?+

Arsenquatrandorite contains antimony, arsenic and lead and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, lead, and silver; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust.

What rocks look like arsenquatrandorite?+

Arsenquatrandorite is most often confused with Quatrandorite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with arsenquatrandorite?+

Arsenquatrandorite commonly co-occurs with Stannite, Arsenopyrite, Galena, Siderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does arsenquatrandorite form in?+

Where it forms: hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is arsenquatrandorite used for?+

Arsenquatrandorite is used in collector.

Find arsenquatrandorite on the map

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