Nizamoffite is a very rare phosphate mineral typically found as small, clear, equant crystals within phosphate-rich zones of granite pegmatites. It is best identified by its association with secondary phosphate minerals and its distinct crystal form in specialized pegmatite assemblages.
Is this nizamoffite?
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 nizamoffite with a known reference. Nizamoffite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nizamoffite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nizamoffite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: equant crystals.
Often confused with
Nizamoffite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nizamoffite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nizamoffite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mn²⁺Zn₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Equant Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find nizamoffite
Classic worldwide localities
- Palermo No. 1 Mine, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where nizamoffite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, apatite, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nizamoffite?+
Where is nizamoffite found?+
How much is nizamoffite worth?+
What rocks look like nizamoffite?+
What minerals are found with nizamoffite?+
What kind of rock does nizamoffite form in?+
What is nizamoffite used for?+
Find nizamoffite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
