Englishite is an exceptionally rare hydrous phosphate mineral known primarily from the Clay Canyon phosphate deposits in Utah. It typically occurs as tiny, colorless to white tabular crystals or radiating sprays associated with other rare phosphates in nodules.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Englishite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this englishite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Englishite and waxy on Variscite.

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Often found alongside englishite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂Na₄CaMg₂Al₈(PO₄)₈(OH)₁₀·12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.65 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Phosphate Nodules in Sedimentary Clay
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find englishite

Classic worldwide localities

Clay Canyon, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in phosphate nodules in sedimentary clay country — that is the host setting where englishite typically forms. If you start seeing wavellite, variscite, crandallite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify englishite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is englishite found?+

Notable localities include Clay Canyon, Utah, USA.

How much is englishite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like englishite?+

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

What minerals are found with englishite?+

Englishite commonly co-occurs with wavellite, variscite, crandallite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does englishite form in?+

Englishite typically forms in phosphate nodules in sedimentary clay. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is englishite used for?+

Englishite is used in collector.

Find englishite on the map

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