Natrophilite is a rare phosphate mineral primarily found in complex granite pegmatites. It is typically identified through its yellow to brownish massive form and is often studied for its structural relationship with other members of the triphylite group.
Is this natrophilite?
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 natrophilite with a known reference. Natrophilite sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Natrophilite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Natrophilite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: rarely found in distinct crystals, usually massive or as anhedral grains within pegmatites.
Often confused with
Natrophilite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside natrophilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with natrophilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaMnPO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 3.37-3.41 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Rarely Found in Distinct Crystals, Usually Massive or as Anhedral Grains Within Pegmatites
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Reference Material
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small mineral specimens
Where rockhounds find natrophilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Newry, Maine, USA
- Branchville, Connecticut, USA
- Kabongo, DRC
- Buranga, Rwanda
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where natrophilite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, lithiophilite, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rarely found in distinct crystals, usually massive or as anhedral grains within pegmatites habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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What rocks look like natrophilite?+
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Find natrophilite on the map
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