Bulachite is a rare secondary mineral typically found as delicate, radiating sprays or crusts of white, pearly blades in oxidized arsenic deposits. Because of its rarity and fragile crystal habit, it is almost exclusively sought after by advanced micromount collectors who search for it in classic European mining districts.
Is this bulachite?
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 bulachite with a known reference. Bulachite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bulachite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bulachite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or radiating clusters of thin blades.
Often confused with
Bulachite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bulachite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bulachite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₂(AsO₄)(OH)₃·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.71 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Radiating Clusters of Thin Blades
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find bulachite
Classic worldwide localities
- Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal ore deposits country — that is the host setting where bulachite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, scorodite, pharmacolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or radiating clusters of thin blades habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bulachite on the map
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