Calcioaravaipaite is an extremely rare lead-calcium fluoride mineral typically found as tiny, delicate platy crystals in oxidized ore deposits. It is best known from the Aravaipa district in Arizona and is highly sought after by micro-mineral collectors due to its scarcity and distinct, thin tabular crystal habit.
Is this calcioaravaipaite?
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 calcioaravaipaite with a known reference. Calcioaravaipaite sits at Mohs ~2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, milk white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: crystalline, massive.
Often confused with
Calcioaravaipaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside calcioaravaipaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with calcioaravaipaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbCa₂AlF₉
- Mohs hardness
- ~2.5
- Density
- 4.85 g/cm³
- Colors
- ColorlessMilk white
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Crystalline, massive
- Cleavage
- {100}, good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the oxidized zone of an epithermal Cu–Pb–Ag deposit
Where rockhounds find calcioaravaipaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Grand Reef mine, near Klondyke, Aravaipa district, Graham Co., Arizona, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the oxidized zone of an epithermal Cu–Pb–Ag deposit. If you start seeing artroeite, quartz, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: crystalline, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify calcioaravaipaite?+
Where is calcioaravaipaite found?+
Is calcioaravaipaite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like calcioaravaipaite?+
What minerals are found with calcioaravaipaite?+
What kind of rock does calcioaravaipaite form in?+
What is calcioaravaipaite used for?+
Find calcioaravaipaite on the map
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