Afmite is a rare aluminum phosphate mineral typically found as small, thin platy crystals or delicate radial sprays. It is primarily known from the Kobokobo pegmatite in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, often associated with other rare phosphate species. Due to its scarcity and fragile nature, it is a highly sought-after specimen for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this afmite?
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 afmite with a known reference. Afmite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Afmite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Afmite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Afmite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside afmite
Minerals reported to co-occur with afmite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₃·9H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find afmite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kobokobo pegmatite, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where afmite typically forms. If you start seeing phosphuranylite, meta-autunite, beryl in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find afmite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
