Nahpoite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral typically found as small, thin, platy crystals or white granular masses within phosphate-rich concretions. It was first identified in the Rapid Creek area of the Yukon, where it occurs as a late-stage mineral in association with various iron and aluminum phosphates.
Is this nahpoite?
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 nahpoite with a known reference. Nahpoite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nahpoite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nahpoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Nahpoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nahpoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nahpoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂HPO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.57 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Sedimentary Iron Formations
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find nahpoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Fish River, Yukon, Canada
- Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich sedimentary iron formations country, the host setting where nahpoite typically forms. If you start seeing gormanite, ludlamite, vivianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find nahpoite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
