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.
Is this graftonite-(mn)?
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-(mn) with a known reference. Graftonite-(Mn) 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: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Graftonite-(Mn) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Graftonite-(Mn) leaves colorless, Triphylite leaves white to grayish white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Graftonite-(Mn) leaves colorless, Lithiophilite leaves white to grayish white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Graftonite-(Mn) leaves colorless, Beusite leaves pale pink or brown.
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
- MnFe₂(PO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~5
- Density
- 3.793 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Colorless
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, massive, granular
- Cleavage
- Good on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- granite pegmatites
Where rockhounds find graftonite-(mn)
Classic worldwide localities
- New Hampshire, USA
- Bavaria, Germany
- Norrö, Sweden
- Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: granite pegmatites. If you start seeing sarcopside, graftonite-, alluaudite-group minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify graftonite-(mn)?+
Where is graftonite-(mn) found?+
What rocks look like graftonite-(mn)?+
What minerals are found with graftonite-(mn)?+
What kind of rock does graftonite-(mn) form in?+
What is graftonite-(mn) used for?+
Find graftonite-(mn) on the map
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