Gladiusite is a rare hydrated iron phosphate mineral typically found as small, sword-like prismatic crystals. It is primarily known from the Big Fish River area of Canada, where it occurs within phosphatic iron-rich sedimentary deposits. Collectors look for its characteristic morphology and its association with other secondary phosphate minerals.
Is this gladiusite?
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 gladiusite with a known reference. Gladiusite 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. Gladiusite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Gladiusite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Gladiusite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside gladiusite
Minerals reported to co-occur with gladiusite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₂⁺₂(PO₄)(OH)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Iron Formations
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find gladiusite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Fish River, Yukon Territory, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary iron formations country — that is the host setting where gladiusite typically forms. If you start seeing vivianite, ludlamite, arrojadite 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 gladiusite on the map
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