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, 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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