Kribergite is an extremely rare aluminum phosphate mineral found primarily in Swedish phosphate deposits. It typically forms as tiny, delicate tabular crystals or crusts that require a loupe or microscope for proper identification.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Kribergite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this kribergite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch kribergite with a known reference. Kribergite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kribergite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kribergite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Kribergite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Wavellite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Kribergite and vitreous on Wavellite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Kribergite and waxy on Variscite.

Compare →

Often found alongside kribergite

Minerals reported to co-occur with kribergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Al₄(PO₄)₂(OH)₈·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 1.92 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Phosphate-rich Sedimentary Environments

Where rockhounds find kribergite

Classic worldwide localities

Kriberg, near Klippan, Scania, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in phosphate-rich sedimentary environments country, the host setting where kribergite typically forms. If you start seeing crandallite, variscite 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

How do you identify kribergite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is kribergite found?+

Notable localities include Kriberg, near Klippan, Scania, Sweden.

What rocks look like kribergite?+

Kribergite is most often confused with Wavellite, Variscite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kribergite?+

Kribergite commonly co-occurs with crandallite, variscite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kribergite form in?+

Kribergite typically forms in phosphate-rich sedimentary environments. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kribergite used for?+

Kribergite is used in collector.

Find kribergite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.