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, 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.