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, 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.