Pyrophyllite is a phyllosilicate mineral characterized by its greasy feel and soft, pearly appearance, often resembling talc. It typically forms in foliated or massive aggregates within metamorphic environments and is highly valued for its heat-resistant properties in industrial applications.
Is this pyrophyllite?
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 pyrophyllite with a known reference. Pyrophyllite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pyrophyllite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pyrophyllite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray, pale green, yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: foliated, radiated, lamellar, or massive.
Often confused with
Pyrophyllite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pyrophyllite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pyrophyllite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 2.65-2.90 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Foliated, Radiated, Lamellar, Or Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Industrial, Collector, Decorative, Refractory Material
- Host rock
- Low-to-medium Grade Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $5-30 for small to medium specimens
Where rockhounds find pyrophyllite
3 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Brazil
- USA
- Japan
- South Korea
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in low-to-medium grade metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where pyrophyllite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, kyanite, andalusite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a foliated, radiated, lamellar, or massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in North Carolina, Georgia — start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify pyrophyllite?+
Where is pyrophyllite found?+
Can I find pyrophyllite in the United States?+
How much is pyrophyllite worth?+
What rocks look like pyrophyllite?+
What minerals are found with pyrophyllite?+
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Find pyrophyllite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
