Oskarssonite is a rare aluminum fluoride mineral primarily found as a sublimation product in volcanic fumaroles. It typically occurs as small, delicate platy crystals and is often associated with other halide and sulfate minerals in active volcanic environments.
Is this oskarssonite?
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 oskarssonite with a known reference. Oskarssonite sits at Mohs 1-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oskarssonite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Oskarssonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular.
Often confused with
Oskarssonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside oskarssonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with oskarssonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- AlF₃
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 2.47 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Fumaroles
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find oskarssonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Eldfell volcano, Heimaey, Iceland
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic fumaroles country, the host setting where oskarssonite typically forms. If you start seeing hematite, fluorite, anhydrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find oskarssonite on the map
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