Nolzeite is a very rare phosphate mineral typically occurring as small tabular crystals in granite pegmatites. It is primarily identified through laboratory analysis due to its visual similarity to other members of the triphylite-lithiophilite group.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Nolzeite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this nolzeite?

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 nolzeite with a known reference. Nolzeite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nolzeite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nolzeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellow-brown, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside nolzeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaMn₂Mg(PO₄)₂F
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.58 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Yellow-brown Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find nolzeite

Classic worldwide localities

Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where nolzeite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, lithiophilite, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nolzeite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, yellow-brown, pale yellow.

Where is nolzeite found?+

Notable localities include Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany.

How much is nolzeite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like nolzeite?+

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

What minerals are found with nolzeite?+

Nolzeite commonly co-occurs with triphylite, lithiophilite, apatite, quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nolzeite form in?+

Nolzeite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nolzeite used for?+

Nolzeite is used in collector.

Find nolzeite on the map

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