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 — that is 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.
