Švenekite is a very rare calcium arsenate mineral that typically forms as delicate, colorless tabular crystals or thin crusts in weathered arsenic-rich deposits. It is named after the mineralogist Karel Švenek and is primarily found in old mining districts where oxidation of primary arsenic minerals has occurred.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Švenekite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this švenekite?

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 švenekite with a known reference. Švenekite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Švenekite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Švenekite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside švenekite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca(H₂AsO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Arsenic-rich Mineral Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find švenekite

Classic worldwide localities

Jáchymov, Czech Republic
Wittichen, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in arsenic-rich mineral deposits country — that is the host setting where švenekite typically forms. If you start seeing pharmacolite, pitticite, arsenolite 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 švenekite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is švenekite found?+

Notable localities include Jáchymov, Czech Republic; Wittichen, Germany.

How much is švenekite 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 švenekite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with care, avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like švenekite?+

Švenekite is most often confused with Pharmacolite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with švenekite?+

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

What kind of rock does švenekite form in?+

Švenekite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in arsenic-rich mineral deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is švenekite used for?+

Švenekite is used in collector.

Find švenekite on the map

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