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, 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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