Slavkovite is a rare copper arsenate mineral found primarily in the historic Jachymov mining district. It typically appears as delicate, transparent to translucent white or pale blue tabular crystals or thin crusts in weathered arsenide deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Slavkovite

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

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Is this slavkovite?

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 slavkovite with a known reference. Slavkovite 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. Slavkovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Slavkovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pharmacosiderite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Slavkovite and adamantine on Pharmacosiderite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Slavkovite and vitreous to sub-adamantine on Scorodite.

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Often found alongside slavkovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₃As₄O₁₄(H₂O)₄
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.75 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find slavkovite

Classic worldwide localities

Jachymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where slavkovite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenolite, pharmacolite, picropharmacolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify slavkovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale blue.

Where is slavkovite found?+

Notable localities include Jachymov, Czech Republic.

How much is slavkovite 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 slavkovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is highly toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like slavkovite?+

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

What minerals are found with slavkovite?+

Slavkovite commonly co-occurs with Arsenolite, Pharmacolite, Picropharmacolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does slavkovite form in?+

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

What is slavkovite used for?+

Slavkovite is used in collector.

Find slavkovite on the map

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