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.
Is this apexite?
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 apexite with a known reference. Apexite sits at Mohs ~2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to satiny.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. 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)·9H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~2
- Density
- 1.74 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous to satiny
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Secondary mineral, formed as efflorescent crusts on mine walls by the oxidative weathering of a uranium deposit by meteoric water
Where rockhounds find apexite
Classic worldwide localities
- Apex mine, ~ 4.5 km SSW of Austin, Lander Co., Nevada, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Secondary mineral, formed as efflorescent crusts on mine walls by the oxidative weathering of a uranium deposit by meteoric water. If you start seeing andersonite, calcite, čejkaite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify apexite?+
Where is apexite found?+
What rocks look like apexite?+
What minerals are found with apexite?+
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Find apexite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
