Barahonaite-(Fe) is a rare arsenate mineral that occurs as distinct, vibrant red to orange-red platy crystals or delicate rosettes. It is primarily known from the type locality in the Dominican Republic and is highly sought after by advanced collectors for its striking color and complex chemistry.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White to Pale Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Barahonaite-(Fe)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White to Pale Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this barahonaite-(fe)?

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 barahonaite-(fe) with a known reference. Barahonaite-(Fe) sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Barahonaite-(Fe) leaves a white to pale yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Barahonaite-(Fe) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: greenish yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, rosettes.

Often confused with

Barahonaite-(Fe) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Pharmacosiderite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Barahonaite-(Fe) leaves white to pale yellow, Pharmacosiderite leaves yellowish green; luster reads vitreous on Barahonaite-(Fe) and adamantine on Pharmacosiderite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Barahonaite-(Fe) leaves white to pale yellow, Conichalcite leaves light green.

Compare →

Often found alongside barahonaite-(fe)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe³⁺,Mg,Al)₁₂(Ca,Na,Cu)₈(AsO₄)₈(OH,Cl)₂₄·50H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Greenish Yellow
Streak: White to Pale Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts, Rosettes
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mineralizations

Where rockhounds find barahonaite-(fe)

Classic worldwide localities

Dolores prospect, near Pastrana, Murcia province, northern Spain

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mineralizations country, the host setting where barahonaite-(fe) typically forms. If you start seeing arsenolite, conichalcite, claraite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, rosettes habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify barahonaite-(fe)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white to pale yellow. Common colors include greenish yellow.

Where is barahonaite-(fe) found?+

Notable localities include Dolores prospect, near Pastrana, Murcia province, northern Spain.

Is barahonaite-(fe) safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and do not inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like barahonaite-(fe)?+

Barahonaite-(Fe) is most often confused with Pharmacosiderite, Conichalcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with barahonaite-(fe)?+

Barahonaite-(Fe) commonly co-occurs with Arsenolite, Conichalcite, Claraite, Azurite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does barahonaite-(fe) form in?+

Barahonaite-(Fe) typically forms in hydrothermal mineralizations. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is barahonaite-(fe) used for?+

Barahonaite-(Fe) is used in collector.

Find barahonaite-(fe) on the map

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