Magnesiokoritnigite is a rare secondary arsenate mineral typically found as a oxidation product in polymetallic deposits. It most commonly presents as small, delicate bladed crystals or radiating sprays and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its scarcity.
Is this magnesiokoritnigite?
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 magnesiokoritnigite with a known reference. Magnesiokoritnigite sits at Mohs ~3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, pale pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Magnesiokoritnigite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside magnesiokoritnigite
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiokoritnigite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg(AsO₃OH)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~3
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed crystals, radial aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {101}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- As a secondary mineral derived from the oxidation of native arsenic and other As-bearing primary phases, followed by later alteration by saline fluids derived from evaporating meteoric water under hyperarid conditions
Where rockhounds find magnesiokoritnigite
Classic worldwide localities
- Torrecillas mine, Salar Grande, Iquique Province, Tarapacá Region, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As a secondary mineral derived from the oxidation of native arsenic and other As-bearing primary phases, followed by later alteration by saline fluids derived from evaporating meteoric water under hyperarid conditions. If you start seeing anhydrite, chudobaite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiokoritnigite?+
Where is magnesiokoritnigite found?+
Is magnesiokoritnigite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like magnesiokoritnigite?+
What minerals are found with magnesiokoritnigite?+
What kind of rock does magnesiokoritnigite form in?+
What is magnesiokoritnigite used for?+
Find magnesiokoritnigite on the map
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