Barikaite is an extremely rare arsenate mineral found primarily in the manganese mines of Långban, Sweden. It typically occurs as small, platy crystals within metamorphic manganese-rich environments and is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellowish-white

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareArsenate Group family

Barikaite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellowish-white
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this barikaite?

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 barikaite with a known reference. Barikaite 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. Barikaite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Barikaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Allactite

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Barikaite leaves yellowish-white, Allactite leaves light brown.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Barikaite leaves yellowish-white, Holdenite leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside barikaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: MgMn₂Fe(AsO₄)₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.5-4.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-brown
Streak: Yellowish-white
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find barikaite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country, the host setting where barikaite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, barite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify barikaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellowish-white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-brown.

Where is barikaite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden.

How much is barikaite worth?+

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

Is barikaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with gloves, avoid inhaling dust or powder, and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like barikaite?+

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

What minerals are found with barikaite?+

Barikaite commonly co-occurs with hausmannite, barite, calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does barikaite form in?+

Barikaite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is barikaite used for?+

Barikaite is used in collector.

Find barikaite on the map

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