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 — 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 — 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 — that is 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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