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.

Compare →

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 — that is 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.