Ferrolaueite is a rare phosphate mineral that occurs as a secondary alteration product in complex granite pegmatites. It is typically identified as small, brownish tabular crystals closely associated with other phosphate minerals, often requiring X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis for definitive field identification.
Is this ferrolaueite?
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 ferrolaueite with a known reference. Ferrolaueite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferrolaueite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferrolaueite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, orange-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Ferrolaueite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferrolaueite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferrolaueite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaFe²⁺₂Fe³⁺₂(PO₄)₄(OH)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.75 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ferrolaueite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hagendorf-Pleystein Pegmatite (Germany)
- Tip Top Mine (USA)
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ferrolaueite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, sicklerite, phosphosiderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferrolaueite?+
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How much is ferrolaueite worth?+
What rocks look like ferrolaueite?+
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Find ferrolaueite on the map
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