Rhabdophane-(La) is a rare secondary phosphate mineral typically found as dull crusts or botryoidal coatings on other minerals. It is often a weathering product of primary rare-earth phosphates like monazite and is best identified by its association with altered radioactive mineral assemblages.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareRhabdophane Group family

Rhabdophane-(La)

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this rhabdophane-(la)?

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 rhabdophane-(la) with a known reference. Rhabdophane-(La) sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rhabdophane-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rhabdophane-(La) typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, yellowish, pinkish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: crusts, botryoidal, radiating groups, massive.

Often confused with

Rhabdophane-(La) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Monazite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Monazite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5); luster reads dull on Rhabdophane-(La) and resinous on Monazite.

Compare →

Often found alongside rhabdophane-(la)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: La(PO₄)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.9-4.0 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Yellowish Pinkish
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Crusts, Botryoidal, Radiating Groups, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins, Weathered Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen depending on quality and locality

Where rockhounds find rhabdophane-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

Cornwall, England
Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA
Horrschmar, Germany
Mount Weld, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins, weathered igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where rhabdophane-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing monazite, limonite, pyromorphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, botryoidal, radiating groups, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rhabdophane-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, yellowish, pinkish.

Where is rhabdophane-(la) found?+

Notable localities include Cornwall, England; Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA; Horrschmar, Germany; Mount Weld, Australia.

How much is rhabdophane-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen depending on quality and locality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is rhabdophane-(la) safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains minor quantities of thorium, requiring standard mineral handling precautions such as washing hands after handling and avoiding inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like rhabdophane-(la)?+

Rhabdophane-(La) is most often confused with Monazite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with rhabdophane-(la)?+

Rhabdophane-(La) commonly co-occurs with Monazite, Limonite, Pyromorphite, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rhabdophane-(la) form in?+

Rhabdophane-(La) typically forms in hydrothermal veins, weathered igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rhabdophane-(la) used for?+

Rhabdophane-(La) is used in collector.

Find rhabdophane-(la) on the map

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