Durangite is a rare sodium aluminum arsenate fluoride mineral often found as small, vibrant orange to red-orange crystals in rhyolite cavities. It is prized by collectors for its brilliant color but is rarely seen in large sizes, typically occurring as small prismatic to tabular crystals associated with topaz and cassiterite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Durangite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this durangite?

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 durangite with a known reference. Durangite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Durangite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Durangite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, red-orange, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Topaz

Mohs 8

How to tell apart: Topaz is the harder of the two (Mohs 8 vs. 5).

Often found alongside durangite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaAlAsO₄F
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.9-4.0 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Red-orange Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Rhyolite
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity

Where rockhounds find durangite

Classic worldwide localities

Durango, Mexico
Thomas Range, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in rhyolite country — that is the host setting where durangite typically forms. If you start seeing cassiterite, topaz, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify durangite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include orange, red-orange, yellow.

Where is durangite found?+

Notable localities include Durango, Mexico; Thomas Range, Utah, USA.

How much is durangite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is durangite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic. Handle with caution, wash hands after handling, and avoid inhaling dust or powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like durangite?+

Durangite is most often confused with Topaz, Triplite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with durangite?+

Durangite commonly co-occurs with Cassiterite, Topaz, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does durangite form in?+

Durangite typically forms in rhyolite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is durangite used for?+

Durangite is used in collector.

Find durangite on the map

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