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, 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
How do you identify paradocrasite?+
Where is paradocrasite found?+
How much is paradocrasite worth?+
Is paradocrasite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like paradocrasite?+
What minerals are found with paradocrasite?+
What kind of rock does paradocrasite form in?+
What is paradocrasite used for?+
Find paradocrasite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
