Phosphohedyphane is a rare lead-calcium phosphate member of the apatite supergroup. It typically occurs as small, glassy, hexagonal prismatic crystals in metamorphic skarn environments, often associated with manganese deposits.
Is this phosphohedyphane?
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 phosphohedyphane with a known reference. Phosphohedyphane 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. Phosphohedyphane leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Phosphohedyphane typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Phosphohedyphane vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Phosphohedyphane and adamantine on Mimetite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Phosphohedyphane and resinous on Pyromorphite.
How to tell apart: Phosphohedyphane is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3); luster reads vitreous on Phosphohedyphane and resinous on Vanadinite.
Often found alongside phosphohedyphane
Minerals reported to co-occur with phosphohedyphane. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Pb₃(PO₄)₃Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 6.0-6.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Manganese-rich Skarn Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity
Where rockhounds find phosphohedyphane
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
- Kombat mine, Namibia
- Broken Hill, Australia
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic manganese-rich skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where phosphohedyphane typically forms. If you start seeing hematite, calcite, dolomite 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
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Find phosphohedyphane on the map
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