Kryzhanovskite is a rare manganese iron phosphate mineral typically found as a secondary alteration product in phosphate-rich granite pegmatites. It usually occurs as small, brownish-red tabular crystals or fine-grained masses closely associated with other phosphate minerals. Collectors prize it as a representative species of late-stage hydrothermal pegmatite mineralization.
Is this kryzhanovskite?
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 kryzhanovskite with a known reference. Kryzhanovskite 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. Kryzhanovskite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kryzhanovskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish-red, orange-brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals or massive aggregates.
Often confused with
Kryzhanovskite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kryzhanovskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kryzhanovskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn³⁺Fe³⁺₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals or Massive Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kryzhanovskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bully Creek, Oregon, USA
- Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany
- Tip Top Mine, South Dakota, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kryzhanovskite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, apatite, rockbridgeite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals or massive aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kryzhanovskite?+
Where is kryzhanovskite found?+
How much is kryzhanovskite worth?+
What rocks look like kryzhanovskite?+
What minerals are found with kryzhanovskite?+
What kind of rock does kryzhanovskite form in?+
What is kryzhanovskite used for?+
Find kryzhanovskite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
