Florencite-(La) is a rare phosphate mineral characterized by its small, often lustrous rhombohedral crystal forms. It is typically found in hydrothermal settings or as an accessory mineral in high-alumina metamorphic or sedimentary rocks. Collectors primarily seek out these specimens for their rare-earth element composition and interesting crystal morphology.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareFlorencite Group family

Florencite-(La)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this florencite-(la)?

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 florencite-(la) with a known reference. Florencite-(La) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Florencite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Florencite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, brown, pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

Florencite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Florencite-(La) and resinous on Monazite.

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Often found alongside florencite-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: LaAl₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellow Brown Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins, Pegmatites, And Sedimentary Deposits
Typical price: $20-100 thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find florencite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Brazil
Germany
Australia
Democratic Republic of the Congo
USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and sedimentary deposits country — that is the host setting where florencite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, kaolinite, tourmaline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify florencite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellow, brown.

Where is florencite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Brazil; Germany; Australia; Democratic Republic of the Congo; USA.

How much is florencite-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like florencite-(la)?+

Florencite-(La) is most often confused with Florencite-(Ce), Florencite-(Nd), Monazite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with florencite-(la)?+

Florencite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Kaolinite, Tourmaline, Topaz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does florencite-(la) form in?+

Florencite-(La) typically forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and sedimentary deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is florencite-(la) used for?+

Florencite-(La) is used in collector.

Find florencite-(la) on the map

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