Smolyaninovite is a rare secondary arsenate mineral that typically forms as bright yellow, earthy crusts in the oxidation zones of cobalt-nickel deposits. It is best identified through its association with other cobalt and nickel arsenates in hydrothermal ore veins. Due to its arsenic content and fragile nature, it is primarily a species for advanced mineralogists and specialized collections.
Is this smolyaninovite?
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 smolyaninovite with a known reference. Smolyaninovite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Smolyaninovite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Smolyaninovite typically shows a earthy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, powdery, or as thin crusts and efflorescences.
Often confused with
Smolyaninovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Smolyaninovite leaves yellow, Erythrite leaves pale pink; luster reads earthy on Smolyaninovite and adamantine to pearly on Erythrite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Smolyaninovite leaves yellow, Annabergite leaves pale green; luster reads earthy on Smolyaninovite and pearly, vitreous on Annabergite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Smolyaninovite leaves yellow, Pharmacosiderite leaves white; luster reads earthy on Smolyaninovite and adamantine on Pharmacosiderite.
Often found alongside smolyaninovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with smolyaninovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Co,Ni,Ca,Mg)₂Fe³⁺(AsO₄)₂F(OH)·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.6 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Powdery, Or as Thin Crusts and Efflorescences
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Arsenic-rich Cobalt-nickel Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find smolyaninovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bou-Azzer, Morocco
- Khovu-Aksy, Tuva, Russia
- Black Forest, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of arsenic-rich cobalt-nickel ore deposits country — that is the host setting where smolyaninovite typically forms. If you start seeing erythrite, annabergite, arsenopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, powdery, or as thin crusts and efflorescences habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify smolyaninovite?+
Where is smolyaninovite found?+
How much is smolyaninovite worth?+
Is smolyaninovite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like smolyaninovite?+
What minerals are found with smolyaninovite?+
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Find smolyaninovite on the map
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