Florencite-(Sm) is a rare rare-earth element phosphate mineral belonging to the beudantite group. It typically occurs as small rhombohedral crystals in hydrothermal deposits and altered metamorphic rocks, and can be visually indistinguishable from other members of the florencite series without analytical testing.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareFlorencite Group family

Florencite-(Sm)

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

No image

Is this florencite-(sm)?

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-(sm) with a known reference. Florencite-(Sm) 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-(Sm) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Florencite-(Sm) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside florencite-(sm)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: SmAl₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.8-4.0 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins and Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and locality

Where rockhounds find florencite-(sm)

Classic worldwide localities

Brazil
Madagascar
China

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where florencite-(sm) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, kaolinite, monazite 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-(sm)?+

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

Where is florencite-(sm) found?+

Notable localities include Brazil; Madagascar; China.

How much is florencite-(sm) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and locality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like florencite-(sm)?+

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

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

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

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

Florencite-(Sm) typically forms in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is florencite-(sm) used for?+

Florencite-(Sm) is used in collector.

Find florencite-(sm) on the map

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