Fluorstrophite is a very rare member of the apatite group characterized by a high strontium content. It is primarily found as small, granular masses within alkaline rock formations in the Kola Peninsula region of Russia. Collectors typically seek it for its rarity and its significance in phosphorus-mineral suites.
Is this fluorstrophite?
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 fluorstrophite with a known reference. Fluorstrophite 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. Fluorstrophite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fluorstrophite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: granular.
Often confused with
Fluorstrophite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fluorstrophite
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluorstrophite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SrCaSr(PO₄)₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-200 per specimen
Where rockhounds find fluorstrophite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kovdor Massif, Russia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where fluorstrophite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, calcite, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluorstrophite?+
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How much is fluorstrophite worth?+
What rocks look like fluorstrophite?+
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Find fluorstrophite on the map
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