Espadaite is a very rare hydrated manganese phosphate mineral found in complex phosphate pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, delicate platy crystals, often associated with other rare phosphate species in the weathered zones of granitic bodies.
Is this espadaite?
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 espadaite with a known reference. Espadaite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Espadaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Espadaite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Espadaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside espadaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with espadaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄Mn₂(P₂O₇)₂(H₂O)₁₀
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.98 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find espadaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tip Top mine, Custer, South Dakota, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where espadaite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, graftonite, dickinsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find espadaite on the map
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