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, so 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, 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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