Mitryaevaite is a rare phosphate mineral first discovered in the Karatau phosphorite deposits of Kazakhstan. It typically forms delicate, colorless to white tabular crystals or radiating sprays within sedimentary phosphate environments.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Mitryaevaite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this mitryaevaite?

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 mitryaevaite with a known reference. Mitryaevaite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mitryaevaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mitryaevaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside mitryaevaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Al,Fe³⁺)₇(PO₄)₄(SO₄,SiO₄)(OH,F)₁₂·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Phosphate Deposits
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find mitryaevaite

Classic worldwide localities

Karatau Mountains, Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary phosphate deposits country — that is the host setting where mitryaevaite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, goethite, crandallite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mitryaevaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is mitryaevaite found?+

Notable localities include Karatau Mountains, Kazakhstan.

How much is mitryaevaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like mitryaevaite?+

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

What minerals are found with mitryaevaite?+

Mitryaevaite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Goethite, Crandallite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does mitryaevaite form in?+

Mitryaevaite typically forms in sedimentary phosphate deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mitryaevaite used for?+

Mitryaevaite is used in collector.

Find mitryaevaite on the map

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