Artsmithite is a rare mercury-aluminum arsenate mineral known for its distinctive white to pale yellow platy crystal habit. It is found primarily in mercury-rich hydrothermal deposits and requires professional identification due to its similarity to other rare secondary minerals.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Artsmithite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this artsmithite?

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 artsmithite with a known reference. Artsmithite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Artsmithite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Artsmithite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mixite

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Artsmithite and vitreous on Mixite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Artsmithite and adamantine on Pharmacosiderite.

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Often found alongside artsmithite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg₄Al(AsO₄)O₂(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mineral Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find artsmithite

Classic worldwide localities

Hrušice, Czech Republic
San Jose mine, Oruro, Bolivia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mineral deposits country, the host setting where artsmithite typically forms. If you start seeing cinnabar, metacinnabar, arsenolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify artsmithite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is artsmithite found?+

Notable localities include Hrušice, Czech Republic; San Jose mine, Oruro, Bolivia.

How much is artsmithite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is artsmithite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and arsenic; always wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or ingesting particles. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like artsmithite?+

Artsmithite is most often confused with Mixite, Pharmacosiderite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with artsmithite?+

Artsmithite commonly co-occurs with cinnabar, metacinnabar, arsenolite, calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does artsmithite form in?+

Artsmithite typically forms in hydrothermal mineral deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is artsmithite used for?+

Artsmithite is used in collector.

Find artsmithite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.