Phosphogartrellite is a rare secondary mineral found in the oxidation zones of lead-bearing ore deposits. It typically forms as thin, microscopic platy crystals that form crusts or coatings on other minerals like goethite or quartz.
Is this phosphogartrellite?
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 phosphogartrellite with a known reference. Phosphogartrellite 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. Phosphogartrellite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Phosphogartrellite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: microscopic pseudo-hexagonal platy crystals or crusts.
Often confused with
Phosphogartrellite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Phosphogartrellite leaves white, Gartrellite leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Phosphogartrellite leaves white, Tsumcorite leaves yellowish.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Phosphogartrellite leaves white, Beudantite leaves yellow.
Often found alongside phosphogartrellite
Minerals reported to co-occur with phosphogartrellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbFe³⁺(PO₄)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 4.6-4.7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Pseudo-hexagonal Platy Crystals or Crusts
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Hydrothermal Base-metal Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find phosphogartrellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Grube Clara, Germany
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Broken Hill, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of hydrothermal base-metal deposits country — that is the host setting where phosphogartrellite typically forms. If you start seeing goethite, pyromorphite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic pseudo-hexagonal platy crystals or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify phosphogartrellite?+
Where is phosphogartrellite found?+
How much is phosphogartrellite worth?+
Is phosphogartrellite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like phosphogartrellite?+
What minerals are found with phosphogartrellite?+
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Find phosphogartrellite on the map
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