Honzaite is a rare nickel arsenite that forms irregular to hemispherical aggregates. It is associated with arsenolite and zeunerite. It was first described from Jáchymov, Czech Republic.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale pink

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Honzaite

Honzaite is a rare nickel arsenite that forms irregular to hemispherical aggregates. It is associated with arsenolite and zeunerite. It was first described from Jáchymov, Czech Republic.

Hardness: ~3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale pink
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

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Is this honzaite?

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 honzaite with a known reference. Honzaite sits at Mohs ~3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale pink.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale pink, sometimes with purplish, violet tints.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: irregular to hemispherical aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Honzaite is noticeably harder (Mohs ~3 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Honzaite leaves pale pink, Vivianite leaves white, altering to dark blue, brown.

Compare →

Often found alongside honzaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ni₂[AsO₃(OH)]₂(H₂O)₅
Mohs hardness: ~3
Density: 2.993 g/cm³
Colors: Pale pinkSometimes with purplishViolet tints
Streak: Pale pink
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Irregular to hemispherical aggregates
Cleavage: Good on {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral formed by weathering of nickelskutterudite and tennantite, under strongly acidic conditions, in a Ag+As+Co+Ni+Bi and U vein-type hydrothermal mineral deposit

Where rockhounds find honzaite

Classic worldwide localities

Jáchymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral formed by weathering of nickelskutterudite and tennantite, under strongly acidic conditions, in a Ag+As+Co+Ni+Bi and U vein-type hydrothermal mineral deposit. If you start seeing arsenolite, zeunerite, ni-rich burgessite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: irregular to hemispherical aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify honzaite?+

Mohs hardness is ~3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is pale pink. Common colors include pale pink, sometimes with purplish, violet tints.

Where is honzaite found?+

Notable localities include Jáchymov, Czech Republic.

Is honzaite safe to handle?+

Honzaite contains arsenic and nickel and calls for real care. Contains nickel, which is a skin sensitizer and toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens.

What rocks look like honzaite?+

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

What minerals are found with honzaite?+

Honzaite commonly co-occurs with Arsenolite, Zeunerite, Ni-rich burgessite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does honzaite form in?+

What is honzaite used for?+

Honzaite is used in collector.

Find honzaite on the map

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