Pararsenolamprite is a rare polymorph of native arsenic often found in cobalt-nickel-silver hydrothermal veins. It typically displays a metallic luster and bladed habit, and it is distinguished from its more common cousin, arsenolamprite, by its specific crystal structure. Collectors should treat it with caution due to its arsenic content.
Is this pararsenolamprite?
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 pararsenolamprite with a known reference. Pararsenolamprite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pararsenolamprite leaves a gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pararsenolamprite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, silvery-gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed, platy crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Pararsenolamprite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Pararsenolamprite leaves gray, Arsenolamprite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Arsenic is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Pararsenolamprite leaves gray, Arsenic leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Pararsenolamprite leaves gray, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside pararsenolamprite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pararsenolamprite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- As
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5-2
- Density
- 5.6-5.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed, Platy Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find pararsenolamprite
Classic worldwide localities
- Marienberg, Germany
- Jáchymov, Czech Republic
- Schneeberg, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where pararsenolamprite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenic, silver, safflorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed, platy crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pararsenolamprite?+
Where is pararsenolamprite found?+
How much is pararsenolamprite worth?+
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What rocks look like pararsenolamprite?+
What minerals are found with pararsenolamprite?+
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Find pararsenolamprite on the map
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