Panasqueiraite is a rare phosphate mineral originally described from the world-famous tungsten mines in Panasqueira, Portugal. It typically occurs as small yellowish tabular crystals or aggregates within hydrothermal veins associated with other phosphates and tungsten minerals.
Is this panasqueiraite?
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 panasqueiraite with a known reference. Panasqueiraite 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. Panasqueiraite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Panasqueiraite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.
Often confused with
Panasqueiraite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside panasqueiraite
Minerals reported to co-occur with panasqueiraite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMg₂(PO₄)(OH)F
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Quartz Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find panasqueiraite
Classic worldwide localities
- Panasqueira mines, Portugal
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal quartz veins country, the host setting where panasqueiraite typically forms. If you start seeing apatite, topaz, arsenopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify panasqueiraite?+
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Find panasqueiraite on the map
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