Natrophosphate is an exceptionally rare and highly water-soluble mineral typically found in hyperalkaline igneous complexes. It forms clear to white crystals that are prone to dehydration and deliquescence, requiring storage in sealed containers to prevent damage from atmospheric moisture.
Is this natrophosphate?
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 natrophosphate with a known reference. Natrophosphate sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Natrophosphate leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Natrophosphate typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Natrophosphate vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside natrophosphate
Minerals reported to co-occur with natrophosphate. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₇(PO₄)₂F·19H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Dodecahedral Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size
Where rockhounds find natrophosphate
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where natrophosphate typically forms. If you start seeing villiaumite, natrosilite, usovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find natrophosphate on the map
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