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 — that is 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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