Groatite is a rare phosphate mineral typically found as small, yellowish-green grains within phosphate-rich concretions in the Yukon Territory. It is highly sought after by collectors of rare phosphate minerals due to its scarcity and distinct paragenesis in low-temperature sedimentary environments.
Is this groatite?
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 groatite with a known reference. Groatite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Groatite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Groatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains and small aggregates.
Often confused with
Groatite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside groatite
Minerals reported to co-occur with groatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCaMn²⁺(PO₄)(PO₃OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.51 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral to Subhedral Grains and Small Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Sedimentary Concretions
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find groatite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Fish River, Yukon, Canada
- Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich sedimentary concretions country — that is the host setting where groatite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, siderite, ludlamite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains and small aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify groatite?+
Where is groatite found?+
How much is groatite worth?+
What rocks look like groatite?+
What minerals are found with groatite?+
What kind of rock does groatite form in?+
What is groatite used for?+
Find groatite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
