Raadeite is an exceptionally rare magnesium phosphate mineral known almost exclusively from alkaline pegmatites in the Larvik area of Norway. It typically occurs as small, pale-colored tabular crystals that require microscopic examination or advanced testing for positive identification.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Raadeite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this raadeite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch raadeite with a known reference. Raadeite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Raadeite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Raadeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Raadeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside raadeite

Minerals reported to co-occur with raadeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₇(PO₄)₂(OH)₈
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find raadeite

Classic worldwide localities

Tvedalen, Larvik, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where raadeite typically forms. If you start seeing soddyite, fluorapatite, augite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify raadeite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, colorless.

Where is raadeite found?+

Notable localities include Tvedalen, Larvik, Norway.

How much is raadeite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like raadeite?+

Raadeite is most often confused with Wagnerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with raadeite?+

Raadeite commonly co-occurs with Soddyite, Fluorapatite, Augite, Barkevikite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does raadeite form in?+

Raadeite typically forms in syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is raadeite used for?+

Raadeite is used in collector.

Find raadeite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.