Gorceixite is a barium-aluminum phosphate mineral typically found as dull, botryoidal or nodular masses in alluvial diamond deposits. Collectors often find it as smooth, pebble-like stones in river gravels, where its hardness and density allow it to survive erosion similar to diamonds.
Is this gorceixite?
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 gorceixite with a known reference. Gorceixite sits at Mohs 4.5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gorceixite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Gorceixite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, brown, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: botryoidal, crusts, or nodular masses.
Often confused with
Gorceixite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside gorceixite
Minerals reported to co-occur with gorceixite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaAl₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₅·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5.5
- Density
- 3.2-3.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal, Crusts, Or Nodular Masses
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Diamond-bearing Alluvial Gravels and Phosphate-rich Hydrothermal Environments
- Typical price
- $10-60 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find gorceixite
Classic worldwide localities
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Arkansas, USA
- Czech Republic
- Belgium
Field-hunting tip
Look in diamond-bearing alluvial gravels and phosphate-rich hydrothermal environments country — that is the host setting where gorceixite typically forms. If you start seeing diamond, goyazite, crandallite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a botryoidal, crusts, or nodular masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find gorceixite on the map
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