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 ~4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: subadamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 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: Luster reads subadamantine on Fluorphosphohedyphane and resinous to subadamantine on Pyromorphite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads subadamantine on Fluorphosphohedyphane and resinous to subadamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads subadamantine on Fluorphosphohedyphane and vitreous to greasy 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
- ~4
- Density
- 5.445 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Subadamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the oxidation zone of a Pb-Cu-Zn-Ag deposit
Where rockhounds find fluorphosphohedyphane
Classic worldwide localities
- C adit, Blue Bell claims, Joe Dandy Hill, Soda Mountains, ~11 km west of Baker, San Bernardino County, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the oxidation zone of a Pb-Cu-Zn-Ag deposit. If you start seeing cerussite, chrysocolla, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluorphosphohedyphane?+
Where is fluorphosphohedyphane found?+
Is fluorphosphohedyphane safe to handle?+
What rocks look like fluorphosphohedyphane?+
What minerals are found with fluorphosphohedyphane?+
What kind of rock does fluorphosphohedyphane form in?+
What is fluorphosphohedyphane used for?+
Find fluorphosphohedyphane on the map
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