Ferripyrophyllite is a rare phyllosilicate mineral that represents the iron-dominant analog of pyrophyllite. It typically occurs as soft, pearly, foliated masses or coatings in metamorphosed, iron-rich sedimentary environments, often requiring X-ray diffraction for definitive identification due to its similarity to other clay minerals.

Hardness

1-2

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePyrophyllite Group family

Ferripyrophyllite

Hardness: 1-2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this ferripyrophyllite?

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 ferripyrophyllite with a known reference. Ferripyrophyllite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferripyrophyllite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ferripyrophyllite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, foliated, lamellar.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Ferripyrophyllite and dull on Celadonite.

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Often found alongside ferripyrophyllite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaFe³⁺Si₂O₅(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 1-2
Density: 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Greenish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, Foliated, Lamellar
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Metamorphic Iron-rich Formations
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen depending on rarity

Where rockhounds find ferripyrophyllite

Classic worldwide localities

Krivoy Rog, Ukraine
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Western Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic iron-rich formations country — that is the host setting where ferripyrophyllite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, hematite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, foliated, lamellar habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ferripyrophyllite?+

Mohs hardness is 1-2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, greenish-yellow.

Where is ferripyrophyllite found?+

Notable localities include Krivoy Rog, Ukraine; Kola Peninsula, Russia; Western Australia.

How much is ferripyrophyllite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen depending on rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ferripyrophyllite?+

Ferripyrophyllite is most often confused with Pyrophyllite, Talc, Celadonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ferripyrophyllite?+

Ferripyrophyllite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Hematite, Magnetite, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ferripyrophyllite form in?+

Ferripyrophyllite typically forms in metamorphic iron-rich formations. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ferripyrophyllite used for?+

Ferripyrophyllite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find ferripyrophyllite on the map

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