Sclarite is a rare manganese zinc arsenate mineral primarily associated with the unique mineral suite of the Franklin and Sterling Hill mines in New Jersey. It typically forms colorless to white tabular crystals and is highly prized by collectors for its chemical complexity and specific locality occurrence.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Sclarite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this sclarite?

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 sclarite with a known reference. Sclarite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sclarite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Sclarite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Sclarite leaves white, Jarosewichite leaves light red.

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Often found alongside sclarite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mn,Zn,Mg)₄Zn₃(AsO₄)₂(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Zinc Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find sclarite

Classic worldwide localities

Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where sclarite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinit, zincite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify sclarite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is sclarite found?+

Notable localities include Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA.

How much is sclarite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is sclarite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and avoid creating dust when breaking or cleaning samples. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like sclarite?+

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

What minerals are found with sclarite?+

Sclarite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Franklinit, Zincite, Hodgkinsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sclarite form in?+

Sclarite typically forms in metamorphosed zinc ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sclarite used for?+

Sclarite is used in collector.

Find sclarite on the map

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