Lun'okite is a rare manganese aluminum phosphate mineral found primarily in granitic pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, delicate prismatic crystals or radial sprays in association with other phosphate minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareHopeite Group family

Lun'okite

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

Is this lun'okite?

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 lun'okite with a known reference. Lun'okite 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. Lun'okite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lun'okite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside lun'okite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn²⁺AlPO₄(OH)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find lun'okite

Classic worldwide localities

Lun'ok Mt., Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where lun'okite typically forms. If you start seeing tueite, lithiophilite, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lun'okite?+

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

Where is lun'okite found?+

Notable localities include Lun'ok Mt., Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is lun'okite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like lun'okite?+

Lun'okite is most often confused with Hopeite, Parahopeite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with lun'okite?+

Lun'okite commonly co-occurs with tueite, lithiophilite, apatite, beryl. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lun'okite form in?+

Lun'okite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lun'okite used for?+

Lun'okite is used in collector.

Find lun'okite on the map

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