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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 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 to subadamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Hydroxylhedyphane and resinous to subadamantine 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
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- metamorphic manganese deposits
Where rockhounds find hydroxylhedyphane
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
- Harstigen, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: metamorphic manganese deposits. If you start seeing hausmannite, baryte, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroxylhedyphane?+
Where is hydroxylhedyphane found?+
Is hydroxylhedyphane safe to handle?+
What rocks look like hydroxylhedyphane?+
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Find hydroxylhedyphane on the map
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