Barahonaite-(Fe) is a rare arsenate mineral that occurs as distinct, vibrant red to orange-red platy crystals or delicate rosettes. It is primarily known from the type locality in the Dominican Republic and is highly sought after by advanced collectors for its striking color and complex chemistry.
Is this barahonaite-(fe)?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch barahonaite-(fe) with a known reference. Barahonaite-(Fe) sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white to pale yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: greenish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: rosette.
Often confused with
Barahonaite-(Fe) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Barahonaite-(Fe) leaves white to pale yellow, Pharmacosiderite leaves yellowish green; luster reads vitreous on Barahonaite-(Fe) and adamantine to greasy on Pharmacosiderite.
How to tell apart: Conichalcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Barahonaite-(Fe) leaves white to pale yellow, Conichalcite leaves green.
Often found alongside barahonaite-(fe)
Minerals reported to co-occur with barahonaite-(fe). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Cu,Na,Fe,Al)₁₂Fe₂(AsO₄)₈(OH,Cl)x·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.03 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White to pale yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Rosette
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a sulfide deposit
Where rockhounds find barahonaite-(fe)
Classic worldwide localities
- Dolores prospect, near Pastrana, Murcia province, northern Spain
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a sulfide deposit. If you start seeing arsenocrandallite, arsenogoyazite, conichalcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: rosette. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify barahonaite-(fe)?+
Where is barahonaite-(fe) found?+
Is barahonaite-(fe) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like barahonaite-(fe)?+
What minerals are found with barahonaite-(fe)?+
What kind of rock does barahonaite-(fe) form in?+
What is barahonaite-(fe) used for?+
Find barahonaite-(fe) on the map
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