Erikapohlite is a rare copper-zinc arsenate mineral primarily found in the Tsumeb mine in Namibia. It typically occurs as small, dark green platy crystals or crusts associated with other secondary arsenate minerals in oxidized ore zones.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTsumcorite Group family

Erikapohlite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Green
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this erikapohlite?

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 erikapohlite with a known reference. Erikapohlite 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. Erikapohlite leaves a light green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Erikapohlite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark green, blackish green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Cornubite

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Erikapohlite leaves light green, Cornubite leaves pale green.

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Often found alongside erikapohlite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃Zn(AsO₄)₂(OH)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.55 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Green Blackish Green
Streak: Light Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Polymetallic Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find erikapohlite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits country — that is the host setting where erikapohlite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, quartz, duftite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify erikapohlite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light green. Common colors include dark green, blackish green.

Where is erikapohlite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

How much is erikapohlite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is erikapohlite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like erikapohlite?+

Erikapohlite is most often confused with Cornubite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with erikapohlite?+

Erikapohlite commonly co-occurs with Tsumcorite, Quartz, Duftite, Arseniosiderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does erikapohlite form in?+

Erikapohlite typically forms in hydrothermal polymetallic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is erikapohlite used for?+

Erikapohlite is used in collector.

Find erikapohlite on the map

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