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, 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.