Lefontite is a rare iron aluminum beryllium phosphate. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2014. It was first described from João Teodoro mine, Linópolis district, Divino das Laranjeiras, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareChlorite Group family

Lefontite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent

Is this lefontite?

4-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 lefontite with a known reference. Lefontite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellowish-green.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside lefontite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe₂Al₂Be(PO₄)₂(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 3.17 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellowish-green
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy crystals
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: metamorphic schists

Where rockhounds find lefontite

Classic worldwide localities

João Teodoro mine, Linópolis district, Divino das Laranjeiras, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: metamorphic schists. If you start seeing quartz, siderite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lefontite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. Luster: pearly. Common colors include green, yellowish-green.

Where is lefontite found?+

Notable localities include João Teodoro mine, Linópolis district, Divino das Laranjeiras, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Is lefontite safe to handle?+

Lefontite contains beryllium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like lefontite?+

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

What minerals are found with lefontite?+

Lefontite commonly co-occurs with quartz, siderite, pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lefontite form in?+

Where it forms: metamorphic schists. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lefontite used for?+

Lefontite is used in collector.

Find lefontite on the map

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