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 — that is 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?+
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How much is buchwaldite worth?+
What rocks look like buchwaldite?+
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Find buchwaldite on the map
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