Fangite is a rare thallium arsenic sulfosalt typically found as thin crusts or small yellow aggregates in hydrothermal deposits. It is a highly sought-after species for mineral collectors due to its rarity and association with other thallium-bearing minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Fangite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this fangite?

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 fangite with a known reference. Fangite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fangite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fangite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, crusts, or radiating crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Orpiment

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Fangite and resinous on Orpiment.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Fangite leaves yellow, Realgar leaves orange-red; luster reads adamantine on Fangite and resinous on Realgar.

Compare →

Often found alongside fangite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Tl₃AsS₄
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Aggregates, Crusts, Or Radiating Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find fangite

Classic worldwide localities

Getchell mine, Nevada, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold deposits country — that is the host setting where fangite typically forms. If you start seeing orpiment, realgar, lorandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates, crusts, or radiating crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fangite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, orange-yellow.

Where is fangite found?+

Notable localities include Getchell mine, Nevada, USA.

How much is fangite 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 fangite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains thallium and arsenic; avoid skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation of dust. Always wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like fangite?+

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

What minerals are found with fangite?+

Fangite commonly co-occurs with Orpiment, Realgar, Lorandite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does fangite form in?+

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

What is fangite used for?+

Fangite is used in collector.

Find fangite on the map

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