Bariopharmacoalumite is a rare secondary mineral typically found as small, vibrant yellow pseudo-cubic crystals in oxidized arsenic ore deposits. It is a member of the pharmacosiderite supergroup and is primarily sought by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare arsenates.
Is this bariopharmacoalumite?
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 bariopharmacoalumite with a known reference. Bariopharmacoalumite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bariopharmacoalumite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bariopharmacoalumite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: pseudo-cubic crystals, cubic.
Often confused with
Bariopharmacoalumite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bariopharmacoalumite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bariopharmacoalumite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₀.₅Al₄(AsO₄)₃(OH)₄·4-5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo-cubic Crystals, Cubic
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find bariopharmacoalumite
Classic worldwide localities
- Cap Garonne mine, France
- Gold Hill mine, Utah, USA
- Clara mine, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where bariopharmacoalumite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, olivenite, scorodite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudo-cubic crystals, cubic habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bariopharmacoalumite?+
Where is bariopharmacoalumite found?+
How much is bariopharmacoalumite worth?+
Is bariopharmacoalumite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like bariopharmacoalumite?+
What minerals are found with bariopharmacoalumite?+
What kind of rock does bariopharmacoalumite form in?+
What is bariopharmacoalumite used for?+
Find bariopharmacoalumite on the map
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