Goldquarryite is a rare phosphate mineral originally described from the Gold Quarry mine in Nevada. It typically forms small, blue to blue-gray tabular crystals or aggregates within phosphate-rich ore zones.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Goldquarryite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this goldquarryite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch goldquarryite with a known reference. Goldquarryite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale blue, bluish gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, radial.

Often confused with

Goldquarryite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside goldquarryite

Minerals reported to co-occur with goldquarryite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CuCd₂Al₃(PO₄)₄F₃·10H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.78 g/cm³
Colors: Pale blue Bluish gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Aggregates, radial
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A supergene product on and between brecciated and hydrothermally rounded jasperoid fragments lightly cemented by late-stage silicification in a Carlin-type gold deposit

Where rockhounds find goldquarryite

Classic worldwide localities

Carlin, Eureka County, Nevada, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A supergene product on and between brecciated and hydrothermally rounded jasperoid fragments lightly cemented by late-stage silicification in a Carlin-type gold deposit. If you start seeing opal, carbonate-fluorapatite, hewettite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify goldquarryite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include pale blue, bluish gray.

Where is goldquarryite found?+

Notable localities include Carlin, Eureka County, Nevada, USA.

Is goldquarryite safe to handle?+

Goldquarryite contains cadmium and copper and calls for real care. Contains cadmium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like goldquarryite?+

Goldquarryite is most often confused with Variscite, Wavellite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with goldquarryite?+

Goldquarryite commonly co-occurs with Opal, Carbonate-fluorapatite, Hewettite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does goldquarryite form in?+

Where it forms: A supergene product on and between brecciated and hydrothermally rounded jasperoid fragments lightly cemented by late-stage silicification in a Carlin-type gold deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is goldquarryite used for?+

Goldquarryite is used in collector.

Find goldquarryite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.