Paradocrasite is a rare antimonide-arsenide mineral that typically forms as small, metallic inclusions within hydrothermal veins. Because it is chemically similar to stibarsen and pure arsenic, identification often requires analytical methods like X-ray diffraction or electron microprobe analysis.
Is this paradocrasite?
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 paradocrasite with a known reference. Paradocrasite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Paradocrasite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Paradocrasite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silver-white, tin-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, granular, as inclusions in other minerals.
Often confused with
Paradocrasite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside paradocrasite
Minerals reported to co-occur with paradocrasite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Sb₂As
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 9.9-10.0 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, As Inclusions in Other Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per small specimen
Where rockhounds find paradocrasite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ijol-Kha-Sere, Kazakhstan
- Broken Hill, Australia
- Vallone della Valletta, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where paradocrasite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenic, antimony, stibarsen in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, as inclusions in other minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find paradocrasite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
