The mineral is named for the Greek word σάρκιυος, meaning made of flesh, for its red color and greasy luster.

[5] The crystal structure consists of MnO4(OH)2 octahedra, MnO4(OH) trigonal bipyramids, and AsO4 tetrahedra.

Polyarsenite was found in Grythyttan and named by Igelström for its high arsenic content.

Sarkinite was discovered in Pajsberg, Persberg, and named by A. Sjögren after the Greek word σάρκιυος, meaning made of flesh, in reference to the blood-red color and greasy luster.

[8] As of 2012[update], sarkinite has been found in Austria, France, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.