Bohuslavite is a rare hydrated iron phosphate mineral typically found as earthy crusts or small globular aggregates. It was first identified in the oxidized zones of iron ore deposits in the Czech Republic and is primarily of interest to systematic mineral collectors.
Is this bohuslavite?
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 bohuslavite with a known reference. Bohuslavite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellowish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: crusts, globular aggregates.
Often confused with
Bohuslavite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Strengite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); luster reads dull on Bohuslavite and vitreous on Strengite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Bohuslavite and vitreous, pearly on the cleavage, dull when earthy on Vivianite.
Often found alongside bohuslavite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bohuslavite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₄(PO₄)₃(SO₄)(OH)·nH₂O (15≤n≤24)
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Crusts, globular aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- oxidized zones of hydrothermal phosphate-bearing deposits
Where rockhounds find bohuslavite
Classic worldwide localities
- Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: oxidized zones of hydrothermal phosphate-bearing deposits. If you start seeing strengite, vivianite, limonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: crusts, globular aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bohuslavite?+
Where is bohuslavite found?+
What rocks look like bohuslavite?+
What minerals are found with bohuslavite?+
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What is bohuslavite used for?+
Find bohuslavite on the map
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