Atencioite is a rare phosphate mineral member of the roscherite group, typically found as small bladed crystals or radiating clusters within complex pegmatite environments. It is chemically distinguished by its iron-rich composition compared to other group members and is primarily prized by advanced mineral collectors for its rarity.
Is this atencioite?
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 atencioite with a known reference. Atencioite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Atencioite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Atencioite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Atencioite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside atencioite
Minerals reported to co-occur with atencioite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Fe²⁺₂Be₄(PO₄)₄(OH)₄·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.17 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find atencioite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lavra do Cigano, Brazil
- Sapucaia pegmatite, Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where atencioite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify atencioite?+
Where is atencioite found?+
How much is atencioite worth?+
What rocks look like atencioite?+
What minerals are found with atencioite?+
What kind of rock does atencioite form in?+
What is atencioite used for?+
Find atencioite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
