Garyansellite is a rare phosphate mineral often found in complex phosphate nodules in sedimentary environments. Collectors primarily look for its characteristic yellowish prismatic crystals or radiating clusters, frequently occurring in the Yukon phosphate occurrences.
Is this garyansellite?
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 garyansellite with a known reference. Garyansellite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Garyansellite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Garyansellite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, pale brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Garyansellite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside garyansellite
Minerals reported to co-occur with garyansellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Fe²⁺)₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Sedimentary Nodules and Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find garyansellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Fish River, Yukon, Canada
- Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada
- Palermo Mine, New Hampshire, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich sedimentary nodules and hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where garyansellite typically forms. If you start seeing ludlamite, vauxite, paravauxite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify garyansellite?+
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How much is garyansellite worth?+
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Find garyansellite on the map
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