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 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Smrkovecite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Smrkovecite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 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.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Smrkovecite leaves yellowish-white, Bismutite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Smrkovecite and pearly on Bismutite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Smrkovecite leaves yellowish-white, Pyromorphite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Smrkovecite and resinous on Pyromorphite.
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
- Bi₂(PO₄)(OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 4.9-5.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find smrkovecite
Classic worldwide localities
- Smrkovec, Czech Republic
- Cornwall, England
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where smrkovecite typically forms. If you start seeing bismuth, quartz, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find smrkovecite on the map
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