Erikapohlite is a rare copper-zinc arsenate mineral primarily found in the Tsumeb mine in Namibia. It typically occurs as small, deep blue platy crystals or crusts associated with other secondary arsenate minerals in oxidized ore zones.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale blue

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareTsumcorite Group family

Erikapohlite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale blue
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this erikapohlite?

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 erikapohlite with a known reference. Erikapohlite 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. Streak: pale blue.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: deep blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside erikapohlite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (□₀.₅Cu₀.₅)CuCaZn₂(AsO₄)₃·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.55 g/cm³
Colors: Deep blue
Streak: Pale blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals, crusts
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral formed by weathering tennantite-rich veins in the oxidized zone of a dolostone-hosted, hydrothermal polymetallic deposit

Where rockhounds find erikapohlite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral formed by weathering tennantite-rich veins in the oxidized zone of a dolostone-hosted, hydrothermal polymetallic deposit. If you start seeing lammerite, conichalcite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify erikapohlite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. Luster: vitreous. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include deep blue.

Where is erikapohlite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

Is erikapohlite safe to handle?+

Erikapohlite contains arsenic and copper and calls for real care. Contains arsenic and copper; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust.

What rocks look like erikapohlite?+

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

What minerals are found with erikapohlite?+

Erikapohlite commonly co-occurs with Lammerite, Conichalcite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does erikapohlite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary mineral formed by weathering tennantite-rich veins in the oxidized zone of a dolostone-hosted, hydrothermal polymetallic deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is erikapohlite used for?+

Erikapohlite is used in collector.

Find erikapohlite on the map

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