Szymańskiite is an extremely rare mercury-bearing phosphate mineral typically found as delicate, acicular, white-to-colorless crystal sprays. It is primarily known from the Kidd Creek mine in Ontario, where it occurs in hydrothermal environments. Due to its rarity and mercury content, it is strictly a specimen for advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Szymańskiite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this szymańskiite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Variscite

Mohs 3.5-4.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Szymańskiite and waxy on Variscite.

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Often found alongside szymańskiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg⁺(H₃O)₂Al₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiated Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Mines
Typical price: expensive; rare micro-specimen pricing

Where rockhounds find szymańskiite

Classic worldwide localities

Kidd Creek mine, Ontario, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in mines country, the host setting where szymańskiite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiated aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify szymańskiite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is szymańskiite found?+

Notable localities include Kidd Creek mine, Ontario, Canada.

How much is szymańskiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of expensive; rare micro-specimen pricing. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is szymańskiite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury; handle with care, avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like szymańskiite?+

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

What minerals are found with szymańskiite?+

Szymańskiite commonly co-occurs with quartz, albite, dolomite, pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does szymańskiite form in?+

Szymańskiite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in mines. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is szymańskiite used for?+

Szymańskiite is used in collector.

Find szymańskiite on the map

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