Krásnoite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral first discovered in the tin-tungsten mines of the Czech Republic. It typically occurs as tiny, colorless to white tabular crystals within phosphate-rich zones of greisen and hydrothermal tin deposits. Due to its scarcity and localized occurrence, it is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this krásnoite?
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 krásnoite with a known reference. Krásnoite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Krásnoite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Krásnoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Krásnoite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside krásnoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with krásnoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaBe₂P₂O₈(OH)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Tin-bearing Greisen Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 depending on specimen quality and rarity
Where rockhounds find krásnoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Krásno, Czech Republic
- Horni Slavkov, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in tin-bearing greisen deposits country — that is the host setting where krásnoite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorapatite, cassiterite, turquoise in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find krásnoite on the map
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