Angarfite is a rare phosphate mineral discovered in the Angarf-South pegmatite in Morocco. It typically forms as small, yellow-orange prismatic crystals within phosphate-rich zones of complex pegmatites.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Angarfite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this angarfite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Tavorite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Tavorite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3); streak differs — Angarfite leaves yellow, Tavorite leaves white.

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Often found alongside angarfite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaFe⁵⁺₄(PO₄)₃(OH)₄·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.31 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find angarfite

Classic worldwide localities

Angarf-South pegmatite, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where angarfite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify angarfite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-orange.

Where is angarfite found?+

Notable localities include Angarf-South pegmatite, Morocco.

How much is angarfite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like angarfite?+

Angarfite is most often confused with Tavorite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with angarfite?+

Angarfite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Albite, Muscovite, Triphylite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does angarfite form in?+

Angarfite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is angarfite used for?+

Angarfite is used in collector.

Find angarfite on the map

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