Phosphoellenbergerite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral first discovered in ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks. It typically appears as small, prismatic crystals that are colorless or pale pink and are structurally closely related to ellenbergerite.
Is this phosphoellenbergerite?
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 phosphoellenbergerite with a known reference. Phosphoellenbergerite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Phosphoellenbergerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Phosphoellenbergerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, pale pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Phosphoellenbergerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside phosphoellenbergerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with phosphoellenbergerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Fe)₂(PO₄)OH
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Ultrahigh-pressure Rocks
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find phosphoellenbergerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ellenbergerite type locality, Dora-Maira Massif, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic ultrahigh-pressure rocks country — that is the host setting where phosphoellenbergerite typically forms. If you start seeing ellenbergerite, pyrope, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify phosphoellenbergerite?+
Where is phosphoellenbergerite found?+
How much is phosphoellenbergerite worth?+
What rocks look like phosphoellenbergerite?+
What minerals are found with phosphoellenbergerite?+
What kind of rock does phosphoellenbergerite form in?+
What is phosphoellenbergerite used for?+
Find phosphoellenbergerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
