Bukovskýite is a rare secondary iron arsenate sulfate typically found as yellowish-green crusts or earthy masses in the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich ore deposits. It is specifically recognized for its occurrence in historic mining districts in the Czech Republic, where it forms through the weathering of arsenopyrite.
Is this bukovskýite?
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 bukovskýite with a known reference. Bukovskýite 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. Bukovskýite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bukovskýite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish-green, yellow, pale green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: reniform crusts, earthy masses, powdery coatings.
Often confused with
Bukovskýite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Bukovskýite and adamantine on Pharmacosiderite.
How to tell apart: Scorodite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 2.5); luster reads dull on Bukovskýite and vitreous to sub-adamantine on Scorodite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Bukovskýite leaves white, Pitticite leaves yellowish; luster reads dull on Bukovskýite and resinous on Pitticite.
Often found alongside bukovskýite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bukovskýite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₂³⁺(AsO₄)(SO₄)(OH)·7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.47 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Reniform Crusts, Earthy Masses, Powdery Coatings
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Hydrothermal Mineral Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen depending on size and rarity
Where rockhounds find bukovskýite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
- Schwarzwald, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal mineral deposits country — that is the host setting where bukovskýite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, limonite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a reniform crusts, earthy masses, powdery coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bukovskýite on the map
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