George-ericksenite is a very rare hydrated sodium-manganese-chromium arsenate mineral known primarily from the Chuquicamata mine in Chile. Collectors look for its characteristic pale yellow, radiating acicular crystal sprays found in sulfate-rich oxidized mineral assemblages.
Is this george-ericksenite?
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 george-ericksenite with a known reference. George-ericksenite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. George-ericksenite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. George-ericksenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular or prismatic crystals, commonly in radiating sprays.
Often confused with
George-ericksenite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — George-ericksenite leaves white, Allactite leaves light brown.
How to tell apart: Flinkite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3-4); streak differs — George-ericksenite leaves white, Flinkite leaves light brown.
Often found alongside george-ericksenite
Minerals reported to co-occur with george-ericksenite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₆(Na,Ca)₂(Mn,Mg)₃(Cr,Fe)₂(AsO₄)₆(OH)₂·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Prismatic Crystals, Commonly in Radiating Sprays
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ depending on specimen quality and size
Where rockhounds find george-ericksenite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chuquicamata, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich ore deposits country — that is the host setting where george-ericksenite typically forms. If you start seeing amarantite, hohmannite, metavoltine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or prismatic crystals, commonly in radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find george-ericksenite on the map
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