Farringtonite is a very rare magnesium phosphate mineral primarily found within pallasite meteorites. It typically occurs as small, colorless to pale grains embedded in the metallic matrix of these space rocks.
Is this farringtonite?
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 farringtonite with a known reference. Farringtonite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Farringtonite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Farringtonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Farringtonite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside farringtonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with farringtonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₃(PO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Stony-iron Meteorites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size
Where rockhounds find farringtonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Farrington meteorite
- various pallasite meteorites
Field-hunting tip
Look in stony-iron meteorites country — that is the host setting where farringtonite typically forms. If you start seeing forsterite, merrillite, schreibersite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find farringtonite on the map
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