Augelite is a rare phosphate mineral often found as attractive, transparent, wedge-shaped crystals. It is highly prized by collectors for its clarity and aesthetic crystal habits, though it is typically found in small, localized deposits.

Hardness

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Augelite

Hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this augelite?

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 augelite with a known reference. Augelite sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Augelite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Augelite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish, pale pink, pale green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular to prismatic crystals, often wedge-shaped.

Often confused with

Augelite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Topaz

Mohs 8

How to tell apart: Topaz is the harder of the two (Mohs 8 vs. 4.5-5).

How to tell apart: Danburite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 4.5-5).

Often found alongside augelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Al₂PO₄(OH)₃
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Density: 2.70 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellowish Pale Pink Pale Green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular to Prismatic Crystals, Often Wedge-shaped
Cleavage: Perfect On {110}, Distinct On {011}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Gemstone
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins and Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $20-200 per specimen

Where rockhounds find augelite

Classic worldwide localities

Baden, Germany
Oruro Department, Bolivia
Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada
White Mountains, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where augelite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, pyrophyllite, lazulite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals, often wedge-shaped habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify augelite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellowish, pale pink.

Where is augelite found?+

Notable localities include Baden, Germany; Oruro Department, Bolivia; Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada; White Mountains, California, USA.

How much is augelite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like augelite?+

Augelite is most often confused with Topaz, Danburite, Amblygonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with augelite?+

Augelite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Pyrophyllite, Lazulite, Apatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does augelite form in?+

Augelite typically forms in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is augelite used for?+

Augelite is used in collector, gemstone.

Find augelite on the map

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