Scholzite is a rare phosphate mineral often forming delicate, needle-like or prismatic crystal sprays. It is most frequently found in phosphate-rich zones of pegmatites or secondary deposits, appearing as transparent to white crusts or distinct, elongated crystals.
Is this scholzite?
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 scholzite with a known reference. Scholzite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Scholzite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Scholzite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, spray-like aggregates.
Often confused with
Scholzite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside scholzite
Minerals reported to co-occur with scholzite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaZn₂(PO₄)₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Spray-like Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Hydrothermal Zones in Pegmatites or Sedimentary Phosphate Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail to miniature
Where rockhounds find scholzite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany
- Naracauli Mine, Sardinia, Italy
- Reaphook Hill, South Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich hydrothermal zones in pegmatites or sedimentary phosphate deposits country — that is the host setting where scholzite typically forms. If you start seeing hopeite, parahopeite, spencerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, spray-like aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify scholzite?+
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Find scholzite on the map
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