Bouazzerite is a rare arsenate mineral that occurs as distinct yellow to yellowish-orange prismatic crystals. It is found exclusively at the Bou Azzer mining district in Morocco, typically associated with cobalt-rich ore assemblages.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Colorless

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Bouazzerite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Colorless
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this bouazzerite?

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 bouazzerite with a known reference. Bouazzerite 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. Streak: colorless.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: apple green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, triangular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mixite

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Bouazzerite leaves colorless, Mixite leaves pale bluish green; luster reads adamantine on Bouazzerite and vitreous, silky in aggregates on Mixite.

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Often found alongside bouazzerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Bi₆Mg₁₁Fe₁₄(AsO₄)₁₈O₁₂(OH)₄(H₂O)₈₆
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.81 g/cm³
Colors: Apple green
Streak: Colorless
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic, triangular crystals
Cleavage: Good on {021}, fair on {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A product of the weathering of a hydrothermal As-Co-Ni-Ag-Au vein

Where rockhounds find bouazzerite

Classic worldwide localities

Bou Azzer, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A product of the weathering of a hydrothermal As-Co-Ni-Ag-Au vein. If you start seeing quartz, chalcopyrite, native gold in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, triangular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bouazzerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. Luster: adamantine. The streak is colorless. Common colors include apple green.

Where is bouazzerite found?+

Notable localities include Bou Azzer, Morocco.

Is bouazzerite safe to handle?+

Bouazzerite contains arsenic and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like bouazzerite?+

Bouazzerite is most often confused with Mixite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bouazzerite?+

Bouazzerite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Chalcopyrite, Native gold, Erythrite, Cr-bearing yukonite, Alumopharmacosiderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bouazzerite form in?+

Where it forms: A product of the weathering of a hydrothermal As-Co-Ni-Ag-Au vein. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bouazzerite used for?+

Bouazzerite is used in collector.

Find bouazzerite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.