Natrowalentaite is a rare phosphate mineral typically occurring as thin, tabular, yellowish crystals within pegmatite pockets. It is primarily found as a secondary mineral resulting from the alteration of primary phosphate minerals. Collectors prize it for its vibrant color and delicate, localized crystal growth patterns.
Is this natrowalentaite?
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 natrowalentaite with a known reference. Natrowalentaite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Natrowalentaite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Natrowalentaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.
Often confused with
Natrowalentaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside natrowalentaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with natrowalentaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(Fe³⁺,Al)₃(PO₄)₂(OH,F)₄·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find natrowalentaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA
- Königshain, Germany
- Elektron mine, Brazil
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich pegmatites country — that is the host setting where natrowalentaite typically forms. If you start seeing leucophosphite, mitridatite, rockbridgeite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify natrowalentaite?+
Where is natrowalentaite found?+
How much is natrowalentaite worth?+
What rocks look like natrowalentaite?+
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Find natrowalentaite on the map
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