Sailaufite is a rare calcium-manganese arsenate mineral discovered in the Spessart mountains of Germany. It typically forms thin, yellow to orange-yellow platy crystals within hydrothermal cavities, often associated with altered arsenic-bearing minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareStrunz Group family

Sailaufite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this sailaufite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside sailaufite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Mn₃(AsO₄)₂(AsO₃OH)₂(H₂O)₄
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.88 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-orange
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Sedimentary Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find sailaufite

Classic worldwide localities

Sailauf, Bavaria, Germany

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify sailaufite?+

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

Where is sailaufite found?+

Notable localities include Sailauf, Bavaria, Germany.

How much is sailaufite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is sailaufite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like sailaufite?+

Sailaufite is most often confused with Pharmacolite, Haidingerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with sailaufite?+

Sailaufite commonly co-occurs with Arsenopyrite, Hematite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sailaufite form in?+

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

What is sailaufite used for?+

Sailaufite is used in collector.

Find sailaufite on the map

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