Paganoite is an extremely rare nickel bismuth arsenate mineral found in hydrothermal environments. It typically forms as small, distinctive yellow to brownish tabular crystals and is known primarily from the type locality in Germany.

Hardness

1-2

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Pale orange-brown

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Paganoite

Hardness: 1-2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Pale orange-brown
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

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Is this paganoite?

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 paganoite with a known reference. Paganoite sits at Mohs 1-2, 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 orange-brown.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, golden brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, euhedral crystals.

Often found alongside paganoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NiBi(AsO₄)O
Mohs hardness: 1-2
Density: 6.715 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Golden brown
Streak: Pale orange-brown
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Aggregates, euhedral crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Formed from the breakdown of primary nickeline and native bismuth

Where rockhounds find paganoite

Classic worldwide localities

Johanngeorgenstadt, Saxony, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Formed from the breakdown of primary nickeline and native bismuth. If you start seeing aerugite, xanthiosite, rooseveltite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, euhedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify paganoite?+

Mohs hardness is 1-2. Luster: adamantine. The streak is pale orange-brown. Common colors include orange, golden brown.

Where is paganoite found?+

Notable localities include Johanngeorgenstadt, Saxony, Germany.

Is paganoite safe to handle?+

Paganoite contains arsenic and nickel and calls for real care. Contains arsenic and nickel; avoid inhaling dust or handling with bare skin, and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens.

What minerals are found with paganoite?+

Paganoite commonly co-occurs with Aerugite, Xanthiosite, Rooseveltite, Quartz, Nickeline, Bismuth. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does paganoite form in?+

Where it forms: Formed from the breakdown of primary nickeline and native bismuth. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is paganoite used for?+

Paganoite is used in collector.

Find paganoite on the map

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