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, so Beraunite leaves brown, Dufrénite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Beraunite leaves brown, Strengite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Beraunite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so 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, 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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