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

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Bouazzerite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
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. Bouazzerite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bouazzerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.

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 yellow, Mixite leaves white.

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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: Bi₆(Mg,Co)₄Fe³⁺(AsO₄)₃(OH)₁₇·4.5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Serpentinite
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find bouazzerite

Classic worldwide localities

Bou Azzer, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in serpentinite country, the host setting where bouazzerite typically forms. If you start seeing skutterudite, erythrite, picropharmacolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bouazzerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is bouazzerite found?+

Notable localities include Bou Azzer, Morocco.

How much is bouazzerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is bouazzerite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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 skutterudite, erythrite, picropharmacolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bouazzerite form in?+

Bouazzerite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in serpentinite. 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.