Barahonaite-(Al) is a rare secondary arsenate mineral that typically forms as attractive blue or green platy to tabular crystals. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich copper ore bodies and is highly prized by collectors for its vibrant color and crystallography.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Barahonaite-(Al)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this barahonaite-(al)?

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 barahonaite-(al) with a known reference. Barahonaite-(Al) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Barahonaite-(Al) leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Barahonaite-(Al) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.

Often confused with

Barahonaite-(Al) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Barahonaite-(Al) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-4 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Barahonaite-(Al) leaves pale blue, Tyrolite leaves pale green; luster reads vitreous on Barahonaite-(Al) and pearly on Tyrolite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Barahonaite-(Al) leaves pale blue, Conichalcite leaves light green.

Compare →

Often found alongside barahonaite-(al)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ca,Cu,Na,Fe³⁺,Al)₁₂(AsO₄,CO₃,SO₄,OH)₈·14H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Green
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Copper-arsenic Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality and matrix

Where rockhounds find barahonaite-(al)

Classic worldwide localities

Dolores Mine, Milpillas, Sonora, Mexico
Jinkouhe, Sichuan, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal copper-arsenic deposits country — that is the host setting where barahonaite-(al) typically forms. If you start seeing azurite, malachite, conichalcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify barahonaite-(al)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include blue, green.

Where is barahonaite-(al) found?+

Notable localities include Dolores Mine, Milpillas, Sonora, Mexico; Jinkouhe, Sichuan, China.

How much is barahonaite-(al) worth?+

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

Is barahonaite-(al) safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like barahonaite-(al)?+

Barahonaite-(Al) is most often confused with Lavendulan, Tyrolite, Conichalcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with barahonaite-(al)?+

Barahonaite-(Al) commonly co-occurs with Azurite, Malachite, Conichalcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does barahonaite-(al) form in?+

Barahonaite-(Al) typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal copper-arsenic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is barahonaite-(al) used for?+

Barahonaite-(Al) is used in collector.

Find barahonaite-(al) on the map

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