Samfowlerite is a very rare silicate mineral found exclusively in the unique metamorphic environment of Franklin, New Jersey. It typically occurs as small, pale pink to colorless tabular crystals or granular masses associated with other zinc-rich minerals.
Is this samfowlerite?
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 samfowlerite with a known reference. Samfowlerite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Samfowlerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Samfowlerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Samfowlerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside samfowlerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with samfowlerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₁₄Mn₃Zn(Be₂Si₁₂O₃₆)(OH)₄(F,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Zinc Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and matrix
Where rockhounds find samfowlerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed zinc ore deposits country — that is the host setting where samfowlerite typically forms. If you start seeing hardystonite, willemite, clinohedrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify samfowlerite?+
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How much is samfowlerite worth?+
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Find samfowlerite on the map
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