Smrkovecite is a very rare bismuth phosphate mineral typically found as small, yellowish, platy crystals in hydrothermal veins. It is a member of the monazite group and is primarily a target for advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its scarcity. It is most often identified by its association with secondary bismuth minerals in specific localized geological settings.
Is this smrkovecite?
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 smrkovecite with a known reference. Smrkovecite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Smrkovecite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside smrkovecite
Minerals reported to co-occur with smrkovecite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Bi₂O(OH)PO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 6.69 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, crusts
- Cleavage
- On {010}, indistinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare secondary mineral formed by weathering, found in old mine dumps at an Ag–Bi–As–U deposit
Where rockhounds find smrkovecite
Classic worldwide localities
- Smrkovec, Slavkovsky Mt, Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare secondary mineral formed by weathering, found in old mine dumps at an Ag–Bi–As–U deposit. If you start seeing quartz, atelestite, bismutite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify smrkovecite?+
Where is smrkovecite found?+
What rocks look like smrkovecite?+
What minerals are found with smrkovecite?+
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What is smrkovecite used for?+
Find smrkovecite on the map
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