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 — that is 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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Find hydroniumpharmacoalumite on the map
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