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, so Smrkovecite leaves yellowish-white, Bismutite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Smrkovecite and pearly on Bismutite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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