Nagelschmidtite is a rare calcium silicate-phosphate mineral typically found in metamorphic environments created by the natural combustion of coal seams. It is usually found as small, non-descript grains or massive white aggregates, making it primarily a specimen for specialized mineralogical collections.
Is this nagelschmidtite?
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 nagelschmidtite with a known reference. Nagelschmidtite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nagelschmidtite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nagelschmidtite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fine-grained aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Nagelschmidtite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nagelschmidtite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nagelschmidtite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₇(SiO₄)₂(PO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.98 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Fine-grained Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks, Burning Coal Seams
- Typical price
- $50-200 for micro-mounts
Where rockhounds find nagelschmidtite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bellerberg Volcano, Germany
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
- Jordan
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks, burning coal seams country, the host setting where nagelschmidtite typically forms. If you start seeing larnite, rankinite, gehlenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fine-grained aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nagelschmidtite?+
Where is nagelschmidtite found?+
How much is nagelschmidtite worth?+
What rocks look like nagelschmidtite?+
What minerals are found with nagelschmidtite?+
What kind of rock does nagelschmidtite form in?+
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Find nagelschmidtite on the map
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