Natronambulite is a rare phosphate mineral found primarily in complex granite pegmatites. It is typically identified by its distinct reddish-brown color and its association with other phosphate minerals in hydrothermal replacement zones.
Is this natronambulite?
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 natronambulite with a known reference. Natronambulite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Natronambulite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Natronambulite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, brownish-red, orange-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains, massive.
Often confused with
Natronambulite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside natronambulite
Minerals reported to co-occur with natronambulite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Li)Mn²⁺₄(PO₄)₃(OH,F)
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 3.55 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral to Subhedral Grains, Massive
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find natronambulite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hagendorf-Pleystein pegmatite district (Germany)
- Linopolis (Brazil)
- Mangualde (Portugal)
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where natronambulite typically forms. If you start seeing triploidite, lithiophilite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify natronambulite?+
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How much is natronambulite worth?+
What rocks look like natronambulite?+
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Find natronambulite on the map
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