Graftonite-(Ca) is a rare phosphate mineral primarily found within zoned granitic pegmatites. It is typically identified by its flesh-colored to brownish appearance and its close association with triphylite, often forming intricate intergrowths that are fascinating for systematic mineral collectors.
Is this graftonite-(ca)?
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 graftonite-(ca) with a known reference. Graftonite-(Ca) 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. Streak: colorless.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pinkish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: lamellar or granular masses.
Often confused with
Graftonite-(Ca) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside graftonite-(ca)
Minerals reported to co-occur with graftonite-(ca). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaFe₂(PO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~5
- Density
- 3.592 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Colorless
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Lamellar or granular masses
- Cleavage
- Good on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- granite pegmatites
Where rockhounds find graftonite-(ca)
Classic worldwide localities
- Palermo Mine, New Hampshire, USA
- Norrö, Sweden
- Cross Lake, Manitoba, Canada
- Mangualde, Portugal
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: granite pegmatites. If you start seeing sarcopside, graftonite-, maneckiite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: lamellar or granular masses. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify graftonite-(ca)?+
Where is graftonite-(ca) found?+
What rocks look like graftonite-(ca)?+
What minerals are found with graftonite-(ca)?+
What kind of rock does graftonite-(ca) form in?+
What is graftonite-(ca) used for?+
Find graftonite-(ca) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
