Szymańskiite is a rare mercury nickel carbonate that forms sprays of euhedral to subhedral prismatic crystals. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 1989. It was first described from the Clear Creek claim, San Benito Co., California, USA.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Szymańskiite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Blue
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 pale blue 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: blue-gray, blue-green, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: sprays of euhedral to subhedral prismatic crystals.

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: Streak differs, so Szymańskiite leaves pale blue, Variscite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Szymańskiite and waxy on Variscite.

Compare →

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: Hg₁₆Ni₆(CO₃)₁₂(OH)₁₂(H₃O)₈·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.86 g/cm³
Colors: Blue-gray Blue-green Black
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Sprays of Euhedral to Subhedral Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: {1010}, Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Mines

Where rockhounds find szymańskiite

Classic worldwide localities

Clear Creek Hg mine, County, Callifornia, USA

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 sprays of euhedral to subhedral prismatic crystals 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 pale blue. Common colors include blue-gray, blue-green, black.

Where is szymańskiite found?+

Notable localities include Clear Creek Hg mine, County, Callifornia, USA.

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

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