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. Bohuslavite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bohuslavite typically shows a dull luster.
- 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 3.5-4 vs. 2); luster reads dull on Bohuslavite and vitreous on Strengite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bohuslavite leaves white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue; luster reads dull on Bohuslavite and vitreous 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⁺₄(PO₄)₃(OH)₃·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- 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
- Typical price
- not typically available in commercial markets
Where rockhounds find bohuslavite
Classic worldwide localities
- Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal phosphate-bearing deposits country — that is the host setting where bohuslavite typically forms. If you start seeing strengite, vivianite, limonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, globular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bohuslavite on the map
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