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 — that is 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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