Benyacarite is a rare phosphate mineral often found as small, distinct bipyramidal crystals in complex phosphate-bearing pegmatites. Collectors look for its characteristic yellowish-brown hues and well-defined orthorhombic crystal forms occurring in cavities with other secondary phosphates.
Is this benyacarite?
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 benyacarite with a known reference. Benyacarite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Benyacarite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Benyacarite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bipyramidal crystals.
Often confused with
Benyacarite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside benyacarite
Minerals reported to co-occur with benyacarite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Na,Ca)₃Fe³⁺₂(PO₄)₂(F,OH)₅·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.56 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bipyramidal Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find benyacarite
Classic worldwide localities
- Argentina
- Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich pegmatites country — that is the host setting where benyacarite typically forms. If you start seeing strengite, cacoxenite, leucophosphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bipyramidal crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify benyacarite?+
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What rocks look like benyacarite?+
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Find benyacarite on the map
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