Apexite is a rare hydrated sodium magnesium phosphate mineral primarily found as small tabular crystals. It is typically identified in the oxidized zones of metal-rich ore deposits, often associated with other rare secondary phosphates and sulfates. Due to its extreme rarity and small crystal size, it is a specialty item highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Apexite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this apexite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside apexite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaMg(PO₄)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.14 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-200 for micromounts

Where rockhounds find apexite

Classic worldwide localities

Apex mine, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal deposits country, the host setting where apexite typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, goethite, leucophosphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify apexite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is apexite found?+

Notable localities include Apex mine, Utah, USA.

How much is apexite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-200 for micromounts. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like apexite?+

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

What minerals are found with apexite?+

Apexite commonly co-occurs with jarosite, goethite, leucophosphite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does apexite form in?+

Apexite typically forms in oxidized zones of hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is apexite used for?+

Apexite is used in collector.

Find apexite on the map

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