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.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Calcioaravaipaite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this calcioaravaipaite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch calcioaravaipaite with a known reference. Calcioaravaipaite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Calcioaravaipaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Calcioaravaipaite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, thin tabular.

Often confused with

Calcioaravaipaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Calcioaravaipaite and adamantine on Aravaipaite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Calcioaravaipaite and adamantine on Matlockite.

Compare →

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: PbCa₂AlF₇(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.57 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Thin Tabular
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Lead-zinc-copper Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find calcioaravaipaite

Classic worldwide localities

Aravaipa mining district, Arizona, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized lead-zinc-copper ore deposits country — that is the host setting where calcioaravaipaite typically forms. If you start seeing aravaipaite, wulfenite, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, thin tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify calcioaravaipaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellowish.

Where is calcioaravaipaite found?+

Notable localities include Aravaipa mining district, Arizona, USA.

How much is calcioaravaipaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is calcioaravaipaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like calcioaravaipaite?+

Calcioaravaipaite is most often confused with Aravaipaite, Matlockite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with calcioaravaipaite?+

Calcioaravaipaite commonly co-occurs with Aravaipaite, Wulfenite, Fluorite, Cerussite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does calcioaravaipaite form in?+

Calcioaravaipaite typically forms in oxidized lead-zinc-copper ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is calcioaravaipaite used for?+

Calcioaravaipaite is used in collector.

Find calcioaravaipaite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.