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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGraftonite Group family

Graftonite-(Ca)

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this graftonite-(ca)?

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 graftonite-(ca) with a known reference. Graftonite-(Ca) sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Graftonite-(Ca) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Graftonite-(Ca) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pinkish-brown, brown, flesh-red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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: (Ca,Fe²⁺,Mn²⁺)₃(PO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.55-3.65 g/cm³
Colors: Pinkish-brown Brown Flesh-red
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Lamellar or Granular Masses
Cleavage: Distinct On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-100 for small study specimens

Where rockhounds find graftonite-(ca)

Classic worldwide localities

Palermo Mine, New Hampshire, USA
Norrö, Sweden
Cross Lake, Manitoba, Canada
Mangualde, Portugal

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where graftonite-(ca) typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, apatite, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar or granular masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify graftonite-(ca)?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pinkish-brown, brown, flesh-red.

Where is graftonite-(ca) found?+

Notable localities include Palermo Mine, New Hampshire, USA; Norrö, Sweden; Cross Lake, Manitoba, Canada; Mangualde, Portugal.

How much is graftonite-(ca) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 for small study specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like graftonite-(ca)?+

Graftonite-(Ca) is most often confused with Triphylite, Graftonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with graftonite-(ca)?+

Graftonite-(Ca) commonly co-occurs with Triphylite, Apatite, Muscovite, Quartz, Beryllonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does graftonite-(ca) form in?+

Graftonite-(Ca) typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is graftonite-(ca) used for?+

Graftonite-(Ca) is used in collector, scientific research.

Find graftonite-(ca) on the map

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