Honzaite is an extremely rare nickel phosphate mineral that typically forms delicate, platy crystals or radial clusters. It is primarily identified from the Jachymov mining district, where it occurs as a secondary mineral in nickel-rich hydrothermal vein systems.
Is this honzaite?
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 honzaite with a known reference. Honzaite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Honzaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Honzaite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Honzaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Ludlamite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); luster reads pearly on Honzaite and vitreous on Ludlamite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Honzaite leaves white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue; luster reads pearly on Honzaite and vitreous on Vivianite.
Often found alongside honzaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with honzaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni(H₂PO₄)₂(H₂O)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find honzaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jachymov, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where honzaite typically forms. If you start seeing annabergite, nickel-skutterudite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find honzaite on the map
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