Moraesite is a secondary phosphate mineral typically found as delicate, needle-like acicular crystals or fibrous radial tufts. It is primarily observed coating or replacing other beryllium minerals in zoned granite pegmatites.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Moraesite

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

Is this moraesite?

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 moraesite with a known reference. Moraesite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Moraesite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Moraesite 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: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radial aggregates, fibrous crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Veszelyite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Moraesite leaves white, Veszelyite leaves light green.

How to tell apart: Hydroxylherderite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3).

Compare →

Often found alongside moraesite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Be₂(PO₄)(OH)·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.26 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Fibrous Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find moraesite

Classic worldwide localities

Sapucaia mine, Brazil
White Picacho District, USA
Bull Moose mine, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where moraesite typically forms. If you start seeing beryl, albite, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radial aggregates, fibrous crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify moraesite?+

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

Where is moraesite found?+

Notable localities include Sapucaia mine, Brazil; White Picacho District, USA; Bull Moose mine, USA.

How much is moraesite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is moraesite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains beryllium, which is toxic if inhaled as dust or ingested. Handle specimens with care, wash hands after touching, and avoid creating dust when cleaning. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like moraesite?+

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

What minerals are found with moraesite?+

Moraesite commonly co-occurs with Beryl, Albite, Muscovite, Quartz, Triplite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does moraesite form in?+

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

What is moraesite used for?+

Moraesite is used in collector.

Find moraesite on the map

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