Niahite is a rare phosphate mineral found as tiny, needle-like crystals in guano-rich cave environments. It is best identified through its association with other secondary phosphates in cave deposits and is primarily valued by mineral collectors for its unique origin.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Niahite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this niahite?

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 niahite with a known reference. Niahite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Niahite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Niahite 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: acicular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside niahite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (NH₄)Mn(PO₄)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 1.74 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Guano-derived Cave Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find niahite

Classic worldwide localities

Niah Cave, Sarawak, Malaysia

Field-hunting tip

Look in guano-derived cave deposits country — that is the host setting where niahite typically forms. If you start seeing struvite, hannayite, brushite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify niahite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is niahite found?+

Notable localities include Niah Cave, Sarawak, Malaysia.

How much is niahite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like niahite?+

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

What minerals are found with niahite?+

Niahite commonly co-occurs with Struvite, Hannayite, Brushite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does niahite form in?+

Niahite typically forms in guano-derived cave deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is niahite used for?+

Niahite is used in collector.

Find niahite on the map

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