Beraunite is a secondary phosphate mineral typically forming in the weathered oxidation zones of iron ore deposits. Collectors most commonly encounter it as striking radial clusters or botryoidal crusts of deep red-brown crystals often associated with other rare phosphates.
Is this beraunite?
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 beraunite with a known reference. Beraunite 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. Beraunite leaves a brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Beraunite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: reddish-brown, brown, dark red, greenish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: radial aggregates, botryoidal, crusts, prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Beraunite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Beraunite leaves brown, Dufrénite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Beraunite leaves brown, Strengite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Beraunite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Beraunite leaves brown, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.
Often found alongside beraunite
Minerals reported to co-occur with beraunite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe²⁺Fe³⁺₅(PO₄)₄(OH)₅·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Radial Aggregates, Botryoidal, Crusts, Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good in One Direction
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Phosphate-rich Iron Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $10-100 per specimen depending on quality and matrix
Where rockhounds find beraunite
Classic worldwide localities
- Beraun, Czech Republic
- Waldsassen, Germany
- Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA
- Iron Monarch quarry, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of phosphate-rich iron ore deposits country — that is the host setting where beraunite typically forms. If you start seeing strengite, cacoxenite, rockbridgeite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a radial aggregates, botryoidal, crusts, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find beraunite on the map
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