Natropalermoite is a very rare phosphate mineral typically found as small, colorless to white prismatic crystals. It is primarily known from phosphate-rich granite pegmatites and is often studied for its structural relationship to other rare phosphate species.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarePalermoite Group family

Natropalermoite

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this natropalermoite?

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 natropalermoite with a known reference. Natropalermoite sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Natropalermoite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Natropalermoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals.

Often confused with

Natropalermoite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside natropalermoite

Minerals reported to co-occur with natropalermoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂LiAl₄(PO₄)₄(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 3.58 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Acicular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find natropalermoite

Classic worldwide localities

Palermo No. 1 Mine, New Hampshire, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where natropalermoite typically forms. If you start seeing beryllonite, apatite, triphylite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to acicular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify natropalermoite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is natropalermoite found?+

Notable localities include Palermo No. 1 Mine, New Hampshire, USA.

How much is natropalermoite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like natropalermoite?+

Natropalermoite is most often confused with Palermoite, Amblygonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with natropalermoite?+

Natropalermoite commonly co-occurs with Beryllonite, Apatite, Triphylite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does natropalermoite form in?+

Natropalermoite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is natropalermoite used for?+

Natropalermoite is used in collector.

Find natropalermoite on the map

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