Hedyphane is a rare lead-calcium arsenate member of the apatite group often found in metamorphosed ore deposits. Collectors identify it by its resinous luster and distinct bright yellow fluorescence under short-wave ultraviolet light.
Is this hedyphane?
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 hedyphane with a known reference. Hedyphane sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hedyphane leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hedyphane typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellowish, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Hedyphane vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Hedyphane and adamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Hedyphane and vitreous on Apatite.
How to tell apart: Hedyphane is noticeably harder (Mohs 4-5 vs. 3).
Often found alongside hedyphane
Minerals reported to co-occur with hedyphane. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Pb)₅(AsO₄)₃Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 6.6-6.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Indistinct
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow Under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find hedyphane
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Sterling Hill, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where hedyphane typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, franklinite, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hedyphane on the map
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