Hydroniumpharmacoalumite is a rare secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-bearing ore deposits. It occurs as small, delicate, often pseudocubic crystals that closely resemble members of the pharmacosiderite group.
Is this hydroniumpharmacoalumite?
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 hydroniumpharmacoalumite with a known reference. Hydroniumpharmacoalumite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroniumpharmacoalumite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroniumpharmacoalumite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellow, greenish yellow, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: pseudocubic crystals.
Often confused with
Hydroniumpharmacoalumite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydroniumpharmacoalumite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroniumpharmacoalumite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (H₃O)Al₄(AsO₄)₃(OH)₄·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudocubic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hydroniumpharmacoalumite
Classic worldwide localities
- Cap Garonne mine, France
- Gold Hill mine, Utah, USA
- Tsumeb mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal ore deposits country, the host setting where hydroniumpharmacoalumite typically forms. If you start seeing olivenite, conichalcite, scorodite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudocubic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroniumpharmacoalumite?+
Where is hydroniumpharmacoalumite found?+
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What rocks look like hydroniumpharmacoalumite?+
What minerals are found with hydroniumpharmacoalumite?+
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