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 — that is 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.