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, 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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