Arrojadite-(KFe) is a complex phosphate mineral primarily found in granitic pegmatites. Collectors usually find it as massive, olive-green aggregates rather than well-defined crystals, making accurate identification often reliant on chemical analysis or X-ray diffraction.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareArrojadite Group family

Arrojadite-(KFe)

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this arrojadite-(kfe)?

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 arrojadite-(kfe) with a known reference. Arrojadite-(KFe) sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Arrojadite-(KFe) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Arrojadite-(KFe) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark green, brownish green, olive green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive, or as rare tabular to equant crystals.

Often confused with

Arrojadite-(KFe) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside arrojadite-(kfe)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KNa₂Fe²⁺₅Al(PO₄)₆(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Green Brownish Green Olive Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive, Or as Rare Tabular to Equant Crystals
Cleavage: Good in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find arrojadite-(kfe)

Classic worldwide localities

Sapucaia pegmatite, Brazil
Norrö, Sweden
Tip Top mine, USA
Rapid Creek, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where arrojadite-(kfe) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, muscovite, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, or as rare tabular to equant crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify arrojadite-(kfe)?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark green, brownish green, olive green.

Where is arrojadite-(kfe) found?+

Notable localities include Sapucaia pegmatite, Brazil; Norrö, Sweden; Tip Top mine, USA; Rapid Creek, Canada.

How much is arrojadite-(kfe) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like arrojadite-(kfe)?+

Arrojadite-(KFe) is most often confused with Triplite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with arrojadite-(kfe)?+

Arrojadite-(KFe) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Muscovite, Albite, Apatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does arrojadite-(kfe) form in?+

Arrojadite-(KFe) typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is arrojadite-(kfe) used for?+

Arrojadite-(KFe) is used in collector.

Find arrojadite-(kfe) on the map

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