Karenwebberite is a rare phosphate mineral member of the triplite group, characterized by its distinctive brown coloration and specific sodium-iron-fluorine chemistry. It is primarily found as anhedral grains within phosphate nodules located in the Big Fish River area of the Yukon, requiring laboratory identification to distinguish from similar species like triplite.
Is this karenwebberite?
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 karenwebberite with a known reference. Karenwebberite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Karenwebberite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Karenwebberite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow-brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Karenwebberite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside karenwebberite
Minerals reported to co-occur with karenwebberite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Fe(PO₄)F
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7
- Density
- 4.2-4.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Nodules in Sedimentary Rocks
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen depending on size and provenance
Where rockhounds find karenwebberite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Fish River, Yukon, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich nodules in sedimentary rocks country — that is the host setting where karenwebberite typically forms. If you start seeing lazulite, siderite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify karenwebberite?+
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What rocks look like karenwebberite?+
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Find karenwebberite on the map
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