Attikaite is an extremely rare arsenate mineral that occurs as delicate, bright green acicular sprays. It is primarily known from the historic ancient slag dumps of the Lavrion district in Greece. Due to its fragility and rarity, it is highly sought after by advanced micro-mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Attikaite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this attikaite?

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 attikaite with a known reference. Attikaite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Attikaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Attikaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tufts of acicular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Conichalcite

Mohs 4.5

How to tell apart: Conichalcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Attikaite leaves white, Conichalcite leaves light green.

How to tell apart: Austinite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4 vs. 2).

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Often found alongside attikaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Cu₂Al₂(AsO₄)₄(OH)₄·12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellowish-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tufts of Acicular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Slag Dumps
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find attikaite

Classic worldwide localities

Lavrion District, Greece

Field-hunting tip

Look in slag dumps country — that is the host setting where attikaite typically forms. If you start seeing lavendulan, jarosite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tufts of acicular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify attikaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, yellowish-green.

Where is attikaite found?+

Notable localities include Lavrion District, Greece.

How much is attikaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is attikaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; always wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid inhaling any dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like attikaite?+

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

What minerals are found with attikaite?+

Attikaite commonly co-occurs with Lavendulan, Jarosite, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does attikaite form in?+

Attikaite typically forms in slag dumps. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is attikaite used for?+

Attikaite is used in collector.

Find attikaite on the map

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