Kleemanite is an uncommon zinc aluminum phosphate mineral typically found as thin, colorless to white tabular crystals. It is most famous for its occurrences in the phosphate-rich environments of South Australia and the Yukon, where it often forms alongside other rare secondary phosphates.
Is this kleemanite?
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 kleemanite with a known reference. Kleemanite 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. Kleemanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kleemanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.
Often confused with
Kleemanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kleemanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kleemanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- ZnAl₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.71 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Phosphate Deposits in Iron Formations
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kleemanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Iron Monarch open cut, South Australia
- Rapid Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal phosphate deposits in iron formations country — that is the host setting where kleemanite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, goethite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kleemanite on the map
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