Meurigite-Na is a rare hydrous sodium-iron phosphate mineral belonging to the meurigite group. It is typically found as secondary crusts or fibrous, radiating spherules within weathered phosphate-rich pegmatites, often identified by its distinct yellow color and occurrence alongside other iron phosphates.
Is this meurigite-na?
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 meurigite-na with a known reference. Meurigite-Na sits at Mohs ~3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: silky.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: cream, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular, radial.
Often confused with
Meurigite-Na vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Meurigite-Na leaves white, Meurigite-K leaves pale yellowish white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Meurigite-Na leaves white, Rockbridgeite leaves greenish gray; luster reads silky on Meurigite-Na and vitreous to dull on Rockbridgeite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Meurigite-Na leaves white, Kidwellite leaves yellow.
Often found alongside meurigite-na
Minerals reported to co-occur with meurigite-na. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- [Na(H₂O)₂.₅][Fe₈(PO₄)₆(OH)₇]·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~3
- Density
- 2.94 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Silky
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, radial
- Cleavage
- Likely on {001}, not observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A late-stage, low-temperature, secondary mineral in complex phosphate assemblages rich in Fe3+ and Na
Where rockhounds find meurigite-na
Classic worldwide localities
- Silver Coin mine, Valmy, Iron Point district, Nevada, USA (type locality)
- Tom’s quarry and Moculta quarry in South Australia, Lake Boga quarry and probably Rixon’s Sandstone quarry, Victoria, Australia
- An unnamed pegmatite prospect near Linopolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A late-stage, low-temperature, secondary mineral in complex phosphate assemblages rich in Fe3+ and Na. If you start seeing turquoise, crandallite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify meurigite-na?+
Where is meurigite-na found?+
What rocks look like meurigite-na?+
What minerals are found with meurigite-na?+
What kind of rock does meurigite-na form in?+
What is meurigite-na used for?+
Find meurigite-na on the map
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