Bjarebyite is a rare phosphate mineral typically found in phosphate-rich granite pegmatites. Collectors look for its characteristic dark green, often sub-millimeter to small millimeter-sized prismatic crystals associated with other phosphate minerals in hydrothermal pockets.
Is this bjarebyite?
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 bjarebyite with a known reference. Bjarebyite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bjarebyite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bjarebyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, yellowish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals, often as small clusters or crusts.
Often confused with
Bjarebyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Brazilianite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5 vs. 4).
How to tell apart: Wardite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 4).
How to tell apart: Childrenite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 4); luster reads vitreous on Bjarebyite and vitreous to resinous on Childrenite.
Often found alongside bjarebyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bjarebyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ba,Sr)Mn₂Al₂(PO₄)₃(OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.61 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Tabular Crystals, Often as Small Clusters or Crusts
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find bjarebyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Chief Mine, South Dakota, USA
- Palermo Mine, New Hampshire, USA
- Fäbodtjärn, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where bjarebyite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, apatite, siderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals, often as small clusters or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bjarebyite?+
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How much is bjarebyite worth?+
What rocks look like bjarebyite?+
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Find bjarebyite on the map
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