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, 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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