Fluorphosphohedyphane is a rare lead-calcium phosphate member of the apatite supergroup typically found in metamorphic ore environments. Collectors usually identify it by its distinct hexagonal prismatic habit and its high density resulting from lead content.
Is this fluorphosphohedyphane?
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 fluorphosphohedyphane with a known reference. Fluorphosphohedyphane 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. Fluorphosphohedyphane leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluorphosphohedyphane typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Fluorphosphohedyphane vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Fluorphosphohedyphane is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4); luster reads vitreous on Fluorphosphohedyphane and resinous on Pyromorphite.
How to tell apart: Fluorphosphohedyphane is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4); luster reads vitreous on Fluorphosphohedyphane and adamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Fluorphosphohedyphane and resinous on Hedyphane.
Often found alongside fluorphosphohedyphane
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluorphosphohedyphane. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Pb₃(PO₄)₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find fluorphosphohedyphane
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban mine, Sweden
- Franklin District, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where fluorphosphohedyphane typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, barite, calcite 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
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Find fluorphosphohedyphane on the map
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