Allanpringite is a rare hydrated iron phosphate mineral that typically forms as delicate, radiating needles or sprays. Collectors usually find it as a secondary mineral in the weathered zones of phosphate-rich granite pegmatites associated with other iron phosphates.
Is this allanpringite?
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 allanpringite with a known reference. Allanpringite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Allanpringite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Allanpringite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish-brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating clusters.
Often confused with
Allanpringite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Allanpringite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Allanpringite leaves yellowish-white, Santabarbaraite leaves light brown; luster reads vitreous on Allanpringite and dull on Santabarbaraite.
How to tell apart: Allanpringite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Allanpringite leaves yellowish-white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.
Often found alongside allanpringite
Minerals reported to co-occur with allanpringite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe³⁺₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₃·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Radiating Clusters
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Zones of Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find allanpringite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jahnsite locality, Hagendorf, Germany
- Cerro de los বসবাস, Spain
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich zones of granite pegmatites country, the host setting where allanpringite typically forms. If you start seeing strengite, leucophosphite, rockbridgeite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find allanpringite on the map
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