Fluorocronite is a rare lead phosphate member of the apatite group. It typically appears as small, colorless hexagonal prisms in high-grade metamorphic ore deposits and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this fluorocronite?
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 fluorocronite with a known reference. Fluorocronite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluorocronite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluorocronite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Fluorocronite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Fluorocronite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4); luster reads vitreous on Fluorocronite and resinous on Pyromorphite.
How to tell apart: Fluorocronite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4); luster reads vitreous on Fluorocronite and adamantine on Mimetite.
Often found alongside fluorocronite
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluorocronite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₅(PO₄)₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Hydrothermal Lead-zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find fluorocronite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
- Kombat, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed hydrothermal lead-zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where fluorocronite typically forms. If you start seeing galena, hausmannite, baryte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluorocronite?+
Where is fluorocronite found?+
How much is fluorocronite worth?+
Is fluorocronite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like fluorocronite?+
What minerals are found with fluorocronite?+
What kind of rock does fluorocronite form in?+
What is fluorocronite used for?+
Find fluorocronite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
