Honzaite is a rare nickel arsenite that forms irregular to hemispherical aggregates. It is associated with arsenolite and zeunerite. It was first described from Jáchymov, Czech Republic.
Is this honzaite?
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 honzaite with a known reference. Honzaite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Honzaite leaves a pale pink streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Honzaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale pink, violet.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: irregular to hemispherical aggregates.
Often confused with
Honzaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Ludlamite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Honzaite leaves pale pink, Ludlamite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Honzaite leaves pale pink, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.
Often found alongside honzaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with honzaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₂[AsO₃(OH)]₂(H₂O)₅
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.993 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Pink
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Irregular to Hemispherical Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
Where rockhounds find honzaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jachymov, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where honzaite typically forms. If you start seeing annabergite, nickel-skutterudite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a irregular to hemispherical aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find honzaite on the map
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