Aravaite is an extremely rare lead-calcium silicate phosphate mineral discovered in the pyrometamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Basin. It typically occurs as small, colorless, or white platy crystals in association with other rare high-temperature minerals. Because of its locality-specific occurrence, it is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare species.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Aravaite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this aravaite?

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 aravaite with a known reference. Aravaite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aravaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Aravaite 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: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Fluorapatite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Fluorapatite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5).

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Aravaite and resinous on Pyromorphite.

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Often found alongside aravaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Pb₃(SiO₄)(PO₄)₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.84 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pyrometamorphic Rocks of The Hatrurim Formation
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen size and rarity

Where rockhounds find aravaite

Classic worldwide localities

Hatrurim Basin, Israel

Field-hunting tip

Look in pyrometamorphic rocks of the hatrurim formation country, the host setting where aravaite typically forms. If you start seeing ettringite, flamite, gehlenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify aravaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is aravaite found?+

Notable localities include Hatrurim Basin, Israel.

How much is aravaite worth?+

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

Is aravaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic. Handle with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like aravaite?+

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

What minerals are found with aravaite?+

Aravaite commonly co-occurs with ettringite, flamite, gehlenite, fluorapatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does aravaite form in?+

Aravaite typically forms in pyrometamorphic rocks of the hatrurim formation. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is aravaite used for?+

Aravaite is used in collector.

Find aravaite on the map

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