Barahonaite-(Al) is a rare secondary arsenate mineral that typically forms as attractive blue or green platy to tabular crystals. It is primarily found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich copper ore bodies and is highly prized by collectors for its vibrant color and crystallography.
Is this barahonaite-(al)?
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 barahonaite-(al) with a known reference. Barahonaite-(Al) sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular.
Often confused with
Barahonaite-(Al) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Barahonaite-(Al) leaves white, Lavendulan leaves light blue.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Barahonaite-(Al) leaves white, Tyrolite leaves pale green or pale blue.
How to tell apart: Conichalcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Barahonaite-(Al) leaves white, Conichalcite leaves green.
Often found alongside barahonaite-(al)
Minerals reported to co-occur with barahonaite-(al). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Cu,Na,Fe,Al)₁₂Al₂(AsO₄)₈(OH,Cl)x·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.03 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a sulfide deposit
Where rockhounds find barahonaite-(al)
Classic worldwide localities
- Dolores prospect, near Pastrana, Murcia province, northern Spain and the Gold Hill mine, Toole County, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a sulfide deposit. If you start seeing arsenocrandallite, arsenogoyazite, conichalcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify barahonaite-(al)?+
Where is barahonaite-(al) found?+
Is barahonaite-(al) safe to handle?+
What rocks look like barahonaite-(al)?+
What minerals are found with barahonaite-(al)?+
What kind of rock does barahonaite-(al) form in?+
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Find barahonaite-(al) on the map
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