Creedite is a highly sought-after mineral by collectors due to its vibrant orange to purple prismatic crystals and striking radial sprays. It typically forms in the oxidation zones of ore deposits and is famous for its intense fluorescence under ultraviolet light.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommon

Creedite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this creedite?

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 creedite with a known reference. Creedite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Creedite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Creedite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, orange, purple, pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial sprays, botryoidal crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Creedite and vitreous to pearly on Heulandite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Creedite and vitreous to pearly on Apophyllite.

Compare →

Often found alongside creedite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Al₂(F,OH)₁₀·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 2.7 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Orange Purple Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Radial Sprays, Botryoidal Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Fluorescence: Bright Orange or Yellow Under UV
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $10-150 thumbnail, $50-500 cabinet

Where rockhounds find creedite

Classic worldwide localities

Creede, Colorado, USA
Durango, Mexico
Tajikistan
China

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where creedite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, quartz, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial sprays, botryoidal crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify creedite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, orange, purple.

Where is creedite found?+

Notable localities include Creede, Colorado, USA; Durango, Mexico; Tajikistan; China.

How much is creedite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-150 thumbnail, $50-500 cabinet. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like creedite?+

Creedite is most often confused with Stilbite, Heulandite, Apophyllite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with creedite?+

Creedite commonly co-occurs with Fluorite, Quartz, Barite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does creedite form in?+

Creedite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is creedite used for?+

Creedite is used in collector.

Find creedite on the map

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