Neustädtelite is a rare bismuth-iron arsenate mineral primarily found in oxidized hydrothermal deposits. Collectors usually find it as small, yellowish, platy crystals forming distinct radial or rosette-like aggregates in association with other rare arsenate minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Neustädtelite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this neustädtelite?

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 neustädtelite with a known reference. Neustädtelite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Neustädtelite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Neustädtelite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mixite

Mohs 3-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Neustädtelite leaves yellow, Mixite leaves white.

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Often found alongside neustädtelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Bi₂Fe³⁺(O)(OH)(AsO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.69 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-brown Brown
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find neustädtelite

Classic worldwide localities

Neustädtel, Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where neustädtelite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, bismuth, scorodite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify neustädtelite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-brown, brown.

Where is neustädtelite found?+

Notable localities include Neustädtel, Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.

How much is neustädtelite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is neustädtelite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest or inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like neustädtelite?+

Neustädtelite is most often confused with Mixite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with neustädtelite?+

Neustädtelite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Bismuth, Scorodite, Pharmacosiderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does neustädtelite form in?+

Neustädtelite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is neustädtelite used for?+

Neustädtelite is used in collector.

Find neustädtelite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.