Arrojadite-(PbFe) is a rare phosphate mineral primarily found in complex granite pegmatites. It usually occurs as massive, granular aggregates with a vitreous luster, appearing in shades of green or brown. Collectors often prize it as a significant species from lithium-bearing pegmatite localities.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareArrojadite Group family

Arrojadite-(PbFe)

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

No image

Is this arrojadite-(pbfe)?

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-(pbfe) with a known reference. Arrojadite-(PbFe) 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-(PbFe) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Arrojadite-(PbFe) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, brown, yellow-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive, rare prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside arrojadite-(pbfe)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb(Fe,Mn,Ca,Na)₁₄Al(PO₄)₁₂(OH,F)₂
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Green Brown Yellow-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Granular, Massive, Rare Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality and rarity

Where rockhounds find arrojadite-(pbfe)

Classic worldwide localities

Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA
Sapucaia pegmatite, Brazil
Kobokobo, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify arrojadite-(pbfe)?+

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

Where is arrojadite-(pbfe) found?+

Notable localities include Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA; Sapucaia pegmatite, Brazil; Kobokobo, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How much is arrojadite-(pbfe) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality and rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like arrojadite-(pbfe)?+

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

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

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

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

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

What is arrojadite-(pbfe) used for?+

Arrojadite-(PbFe) is used in collector.

Find arrojadite-(pbfe) on the map

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