Native phosphorus is an exceedingly rare and highly unstable mineral species. It is typically found in minute quantities within sedimentary phosphate deposits and is known for its extreme sensitivity to oxidation, often requiring storage in inert environments.
Is this native phosphorus?
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 native phosphorus with a known reference. Native Phosphorus sits at Mohs 0.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: waxy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: rarely found as microscopic crystals, usually as encrustations or nodules.
Often found alongside native phosphorus
Minerals reported to co-occur with native phosphorus. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- P
- Mohs hardness
- 0.5
- Density
- 1.82 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Waxy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Rarely found as microscopic crystals, usually as encrustations or nodules
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- sedimentary phosphate deposits
Where rockhounds find native phosphorus
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- USA
- Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: sedimentary phosphate deposits. If you start seeing apatite, iron oxides in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: rarely found as microscopic crystals, usually as encrustations or nodules. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify native phosphorus?+
Where is native phosphorus found?+
Is native phosphorus safe to handle?+
What minerals are found with native phosphorus?+
What kind of rock does native phosphorus form in?+
What is native phosphorus used for?+
Find native phosphorus on the map
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