Anapaite is a secondary phosphate mineral typically found in sedimentary iron deposits where it forms beautiful, radiating clusters of pale green tabular crystals. It is most famous for its occurrence in the Taman Peninsula of Russia, where it occurs in concretions within fossiliferous beds.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommon

Anapaite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this anapaite?

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 anapaite with a known reference. Anapaite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Anapaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Anapaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale green, yellowish-green, white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, rosettes, radiating clusters.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Vivianite

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Anapaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Anapaite leaves white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.

Often found alongside anapaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Fe²⁺(PO₄)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
Colors: Pale Green Yellowish-green White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Rosettes, Radiating Clusters
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Mineral Specimen
Host rock: Sedimentary Iron-ore Deposits, Usually Found in Concretions
Typical price: $20-200 for typical specimens depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find anapaite

Classic worldwide localities

Anapa, Taman Peninsula, Russia
Bellver de Cerdanya, Spain
Messina, Italy
Livingston, Montana, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary iron-ore deposits, usually found in concretions country — that is the host setting where anapaite typically forms. If you start seeing vivianite, siderite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, rosettes, radiating clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify anapaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pale green, yellowish-green, white, colorless.

Where is anapaite found?+

Notable localities include Anapa, Taman Peninsula, Russia; Bellver de Cerdanya, Spain; Messina, Italy; Livingston, Montana, USA.

How much is anapaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 for typical specimens depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like anapaite?+

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

What minerals are found with anapaite?+

Anapaite commonly co-occurs with Vivianite, Siderite, Calcite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does anapaite form in?+

Anapaite typically forms in sedimentary iron-ore deposits, usually found in concretions. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is anapaite used for?+

Anapaite is used in collector, mineral specimen.

Find anapaite on the map

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