Crawfordite is a rare phosphate mineral predominantly found in alkaline intrusive complexes. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals associated with other rare minerals in pegmatitic veins or cavities.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Crawfordite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this crawfordite?

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 crawfordite with a known reference. Crawfordite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Crawfordite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Crawfordite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside crawfordite

Minerals reported to co-occur with crawfordite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃Sr₃(PO₄)₂CO₃F
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.71 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find crawfordite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where crawfordite typically forms. If you start seeing apatite, villiaumite, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify crawfordite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is crawfordite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada.

How much is crawfordite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like crawfordite?+

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

What minerals are found with crawfordite?+

Crawfordite commonly co-occurs with Apatite, Villiaumite, Sodalite, Nepheline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does crawfordite form in?+

Crawfordite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is crawfordite used for?+

Crawfordite is used in collector.

Find crawfordite on the map

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