Bariopharmacosiderite is a rare secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich ore deposits. It forms distinct, sharp cubic crystals that are often perched on iron-oxide stained matrices, making it a sought-after piece for systematic mineral collections.
Is this bariopharmacosiderite?
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 bariopharmacosiderite with a known reference. Bariopharmacosiderite 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. Bariopharmacosiderite leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bariopharmacosiderite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: pseudocubic crystals.
Often confused with
Bariopharmacosiderite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bariopharmacosiderite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bariopharmacosiderite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₀.₅Fe₄(AsO₄)₃(OH)₄·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudocubic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Arsenic-rich Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find bariopharmacosiderite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wheal Gorland, Cornwall, England
- Schemnitz, Slovakia
- Quartzite Mountain, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized arsenic-rich hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where bariopharmacosiderite typically forms. If you start seeing scorodite, limonite, pharmacolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudocubic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bariopharmacosiderite?+
Where is bariopharmacosiderite found?+
How much is bariopharmacosiderite worth?+
Is bariopharmacosiderite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like bariopharmacosiderite?+
What minerals are found with bariopharmacosiderite?+
What kind of rock does bariopharmacosiderite form in?+
What is bariopharmacosiderite used for?+
Find bariopharmacosiderite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
