Arrojadite-(BaNa) is a rare phosphate mineral predominantly found in granitic pegmatites. It typically appears as dark green to olive-green massive or granular aggregates that can be difficult to distinguish from other phosphate minerals without chemical analysis.
Is this arrojadite-(bana)?
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 arrojadite-(bana) with a known reference. Arrojadite-(BaNa) sits at Mohs 4-5, 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: greasy to vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale grayish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular to massive.
Often confused with
Arrojadite-(BaNa) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside arrojadite-(bana)
Minerals reported to co-occur with arrojadite-(bana). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaNa₃(NaCa)Fe₁₃Al(PO₄)₁₁(PO₃OH)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 3.54 g/cm³
- Colors
- Pale grayish green
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Greasy to vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to massive
- Cleavage
- Good on {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A primary mineral in the blocky-plagioclase zone of a granitic pegmatite
Where rockhounds find arrojadite-(bana)
Classic worldwide localities
- Luna albite pegmatite, Dorio, Lecco province, Italy (type locality) and Big Fish River, Yukon Territory, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A primary mineral in the blocky-plagioclase zone of a granitic pegmatite. If you start seeing fluorapatite, albite, arrojadite- in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular to massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify arrojadite-(bana)?+
Where is arrojadite-(bana) found?+
What rocks look like arrojadite-(bana)?+
What minerals are found with arrojadite-(bana)?+
What kind of rock does arrojadite-(bana) form in?+
What is arrojadite-(bana) used for?+
Find arrojadite-(bana) on the map
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