Hureaulite is a secondary phosphate mineral typically formed by the alteration of triphylite in granitic pegmatites. It is sought after by collectors for its attractive range of warm colors and distinct, well-formed glassy crystals.
Is this hureaulite?
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 hureaulite with a known reference. Hureaulite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hureaulite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hureaulite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, pink, yellow, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: short prismatic to pseudo-rhombohedral crystals, often as crusts or globular aggregates.
Often confused with
Hureaulite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hureaulite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hureaulite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn²⁺₅(PO₄)₂(PO₃OH)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Short Prismatic to Pseudo-rhombohedral Crystals, Often as Crusts or Globular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Mineralogical Study
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find hureaulite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hureaux, France
- Linopolis, Brazil
- Newry, Maine, USA
- Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where hureaulite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, dickinsonite, eosphorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a short prismatic to pseudo-rhombohedral crystals, often as crusts or globular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hureaulite on the map
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