Fluorcaphite is a rare member of the apatite group characterized by high calcium content. It is typically found in alkaline igneous complexes, often appearing as small, transparent to translucent prismatic crystals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApatite Group family

Fluorcaphite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this fluorcaphite?

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 fluorcaphite with a known reference. Fluorcaphite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: light yellow, bright yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic, subhedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside fluorcaphite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: SrCaCa₃(PO₄)₃F
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.60 g/cm³
Colors: Light yellow Bright yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic, subhedral crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In miarolitic cavities in a hyperagpaitic pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif

Where rockhounds find fluorcaphite

Classic worldwide localities

Mt. Koashva, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In miarolitic cavities in a hyperagpaitic pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif. If you start seeing deloneite-, belovite-, alkalic amphibole in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, subhedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fluorcaphite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include light yellow, bright yellow.

Where is fluorcaphite found?+

Notable localities include Mt. Koashva, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like fluorcaphite?+

Fluorcaphite is most often confused with Fluorapatite, Chlorapatite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with fluorcaphite?+

Fluorcaphite commonly co-occurs with Deloneite-, Belovite-, Alkalic amphibole, Lamprophyllite, Labuntsovite, Wadeite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does fluorcaphite form in?+

Where it forms: In miarolitic cavities in a hyperagpaitic pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fluorcaphite used for?+

Fluorcaphite is used in collector.

Find fluorcaphite on the map

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