Melonjosephite is a rare phosphate mineral typically occurring as dark prismatic crystals within granite pegmatites. It is often found associated with other phosphate minerals and quartz, and requires precise chemical analysis for definitive identification due to its similarity to other iron-rich phosphates.
Is this mélonjosephite?
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 mélonjosephite with a known reference. Mélonjosephite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mélonjosephite leaves a brownish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mélonjosephite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, aggregates.
Often confused with
Mélonjosephite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside mélonjosephite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mélonjosephite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaFe²⁺Fe³⁺(PO₄)₂(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.75-3.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality
Where rockhounds find mélonjosephite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA
- Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany
- Mangualde, Portugal
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where mélonjosephite typically forms. If you start seeing triplite, apatite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find mélonjosephite on the map
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