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, so 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, 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.