Rimkorolgite is a rare phosphate mineral primarily found in the oxidized zones of granite pegmatites. It typically appears as small, fragile, colorless to pale pink prismatic crystals that require microscopic examination for confident identification.
Is this rimkorolgite?
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 rimkorolgite with a known reference. Rimkorolgite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rimkorolgite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rimkorolgite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Rimkorolgite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside rimkorolgite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rimkorolgite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₅(H₂O)₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find rimkorolgite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tip Top Mine, South Dakota, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where rimkorolgite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, rockbridgeite, leucophosphite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rimkorolgite?+
Where is rimkorolgite found?+
How much is rimkorolgite worth?+
What rocks look like rimkorolgite?+
What minerals are found with rimkorolgite?+
What kind of rock does rimkorolgite form in?+
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Find rimkorolgite on the map
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