Falsterite is a very rare hydrated calcium magnesium manganese zinc phosphate mineral discovered in Sweden. It typically forms thin, platy white crystals that are easily overlooked by collectors due to their small size and nondescript appearance.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Falsterite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this falsterite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside falsterite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂MgMn₂Zn₂(PO₄)₄(OH)₄·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.68 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find falsterite

Classic worldwide localities

Falster, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where falsterite typically forms. If you start seeing sphalerite, siderite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify falsterite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is falsterite found?+

Notable localities include Falster, Sweden.

How much is falsterite worth?+

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

What rocks look like falsterite?+

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

What minerals are found with falsterite?+

Falsterite commonly co-occurs with Sphalerite, Siderite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does falsterite form in?+

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

What is falsterite used for?+

Falsterite is used in collector.

Find falsterite on the map

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