Attakolite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral known primarily from its type locality in the Västanå iron mines of Sweden. Collectors typically encounter it as dense, massive, or granular aggregates associated with other phosphate minerals in metamorphic terrains.
Is this attakolite?
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 attakolite with a known reference. Attakolite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Attakolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Attakolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or crusts.
Often confused with
Attakolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside attakolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with attakolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Mn₂Al₂(PO₄)₄(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Or Crusts
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Phosphate-rich Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find attakolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Västanå Mine, Sweden
- Norröra, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic phosphate-rich deposits country — that is the host setting where attakolite typically forms. If you start seeing trolleite, augelite, lazulite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find attakolite on the map
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