Morelandite is a very rare member of the apatite group characterized by its high barium and arsenic content. It typically forms as small, prismatic crystals within skarn environments and is primarily sought by systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareApatite Group family

Morelandite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this morelandite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Morelandite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4); luster reads vitreous on Morelandite and adamantine on Mimetite.

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Often found alongside morelandite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ba,Ca,Pb)₅(AsO₄,PO₄)₃Cl
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find morelandite

Classic worldwide localities

Moreland, New Jersey, USA
Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where morelandite typically forms. If you start seeing hedyphane, willemite, franklinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify morelandite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless.

Where is morelandite found?+

Notable localities include Moreland, New Jersey, USA; Långban, Sweden.

How much is morelandite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is morelandite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and lead, which are toxic. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and avoid inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like morelandite?+

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

What minerals are found with morelandite?+

Morelandite commonly co-occurs with Hedyphane, Willemite, Franklinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does morelandite form in?+

Morelandite typically forms in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is morelandite used for?+

Morelandite is used in collector.

Find morelandite on the map

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