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.

Hardness

0.5

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Native Phosphorus

Hardness: 0.5
Luster: Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this native phosphorus?

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 native phosphorus with a known reference. Native Phosphorus sits at Mohs 0.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Native Phosphorus leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Native Phosphorus typically shows a waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

Apatite
mineral · Mohs 5

All properties

Chemical formula: P
Mohs hardness: 0.5
Density: 1.82 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellow
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
Typical price: not commercially available for standard collectors

Where rockhounds find native phosphorus

Classic worldwide localities

Sweden
USA
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary phosphate deposits country — that is the host setting where native phosphorus typically forms. If you start seeing apatite, iron oxides in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rarely found as microscopic crystals, usually as encrustations or nodules habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify native phosphorus?+

Mohs hardness is 0.5. It typically shows a waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellow.

Where is native phosphorus found?+

Notable localities include Sweden; USA; Russia.

How much is native phosphorus worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of not commercially available for standard collectors. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is native phosphorus safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Native phosphorus is highly reactive and can spontaneously ignite in air (pyrophoric); it is also extremely toxic if ingested or inhaled as vapor. Handle only under strictly controlled inert laboratory conditions. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What minerals are found with native phosphorus?+

Native Phosphorus commonly co-occurs with apatite, iron oxides. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does native phosphorus form in?+

Native Phosphorus typically forms in sedimentary phosphate deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is native phosphorus used for?+

Native Phosphorus is used in collector.

Find native phosphorus on the map

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