Buchwaldite is an exceptionally rare phosphate mineral discovered as inclusions within iron meteorites. It typically occurs as tiny grains trapped within the metallic matrix, making it a highly sought-after curiosity for meteorite specialists and mineral collectors.
Is this buchwaldite?
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 buchwaldite with a known reference. Buchwaldite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Buchwaldite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Buchwaldite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Buchwaldite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside buchwaldite
Minerals reported to co-occur with buchwaldite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCaPO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.57 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Iron Meteorites
- Typical price
- $500+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find buchwaldite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ni-Fe meteorite finds
Field-hunting tip
Look in iron meteorites country, the host setting where buchwaldite typically forms. If you start seeing schreibersite, kamacite, taenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify buchwaldite?+
Where is buchwaldite found?+
How much is buchwaldite worth?+
What rocks look like buchwaldite?+
What minerals are found with buchwaldite?+
What kind of rock does buchwaldite form in?+
What is buchwaldite used for?+
Find buchwaldite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
