Graftonite-(Mn) is a relatively rare phosphate mineral typically found in complex granite pegmatites. It is often distinguished by its distinct salmon-pink or brownish-red coloration and often occurs in intimate intergrowths with triphylite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGraftonite Group family

Graftonite-(Mn)

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

No image

Is this graftonite-(mn)?

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-(mn) with a known reference. Graftonite-(Mn) 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-(Mn) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Graftonite-(Mn) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: salmon-pink, brownish-red, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

Graftonite-(Mn) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside graftonite-(mn)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mn²⁺,Fe²⁺,Ca)₃(PO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.67 g/cm³
Colors: Salmon-pink Brownish-red Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Good On {010}, Poor On {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find graftonite-(mn)

Classic worldwide localities

New Hampshire, USA
Bavaria, Germany
Norrö, Sweden
Quebec, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where graftonite-(mn) typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, albite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify graftonite-(mn)?+

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

Where is graftonite-(mn) found?+

Notable localities include New Hampshire, USA; Bavaria, Germany; Norrö, Sweden; Quebec, Canada.

How much is graftonite-(mn) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like graftonite-(mn)?+

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

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

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

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

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

What is graftonite-(mn) used for?+

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

Find graftonite-(mn) on the map

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