Alforsite is a rare barium-dominant member of the apatite group that typically occurs in metamorphic environments. It is most often identified as small, colorless, hexagonal crystals or granular masses in complex mineral assemblages, particularly those found in California's Big Creek area.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApatite Group family

Alforsite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this alforsite?

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 alforsite with a known reference. Alforsite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Alforsite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Alforsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Alforsite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4); luster reads vitreous on Alforsite and resinous on Pyromorphite.

Compare →

Often found alongside alforsite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ba₅(PO₄)₃Cl
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Barium-rich Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find alforsite

Classic worldwide localities

Big Creek, Fresno County, California, USA
Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed barium-rich rocks country — that is the host setting where alforsite typically forms. If you start seeing sanbornite, fresnoite, traskite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify alforsite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is alforsite found?+

Notable localities include Big Creek, Fresno County, California, USA; Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is alforsite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like alforsite?+

Alforsite is most often confused with Apatite, Pyromorphite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with alforsite?+

Alforsite commonly co-occurs with Sanbornite, Fresnoite, Traskite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does alforsite form in?+

Alforsite typically forms in metamorphosed barium-rich rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is alforsite used for?+

Alforsite is used in collector.

Find alforsite on the map

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