Hydroxylhedyphane is a rare lead-calcium arsenate mineral belonging to the apatite supergroup. It is primarily identified as a secondary mineral in high-grade metamorphic manganese ore deposits, typically occurring as small, stout hexagonal prisms.
Is this hydroxylhedyphane?
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 hydroxylhedyphane with a known reference. Hydroxylhedyphane sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroxylhedyphane leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxylhedyphane typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Hydroxylhedyphane vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Hydroxylhedyphane and resinous on Hedyphane.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Hydroxylhedyphane and adamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Hydroxylhedyphane and resinous on Pyromorphite.
Often found alongside hydroxylhedyphane
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxylhedyphane. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Pb₃(AsO₄)₃(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 6.05 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Manganese Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find hydroxylhedyphane
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
- Harstigen, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic manganese deposits country, the host setting where hydroxylhedyphane typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hydroxylhedyphane on the map
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