Szklaryite is an extremely rare secondary arsenate mineral found in the oxidation zones of arsenic-rich ore deposits. It typically occurs as microscopic coatings or encrustations associated with altered arsenopyrite and is primarily of interest to systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareArsenate Mineral family

Szklaryite

Hardness: 3-4
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this szklaryite?

2-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 szklaryite with a known reference. Szklaryite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: microscopic crystals, crusts, or coatings.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside szklaryite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: □Al₆BAs₃O₁₅
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.71 g/cm³
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Microscopic crystals, crusts, or coatings
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific research
Host rock: In the internal portion of a complex zoned granitic pegmatite

Where rockhounds find szklaryite

Classic worldwide localities

Marta mine, northern part of Szklana Hill, Szklary serpentinite massif, ~60 km south of Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, Poland

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In the internal portion of a complex zoned granitic pegmatite. If you start seeing holtite, microcline, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic crystals, crusts, or coatings. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify szklaryite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4.

Where is szklaryite found?+

Notable localities include Marta mine, northern part of Szklana Hill, Szklary serpentinite massif, ~60 km south of Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, Poland.

Is szklaryite safe to handle?+

Szklaryite contains arsenic and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; wash hands after handling and avoid inhaling dust.

What rocks look like szklaryite?+

Szklaryite is most often confused with Scorodite, Pharmacosiderite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with szklaryite?+

Szklaryite commonly co-occurs with Holtite, Microcline, Quartz, Muscovite, Spessartine, Chrysoberyl. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does szklaryite form in?+

Where it forms: In the internal portion of a complex zoned granitic pegmatite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is szklaryite used for?+

Szklaryite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find szklaryite on the map

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