Senegalite is a rare hydrated aluminum phosphate mineral typically found as small, bright yellow, transparent platy crystals. It is most famously associated with phosphate-rich sedimentary environments, particularly in Senegal and the Yukon Territory. Collectors prize it for its vibrant color and distinct crystal morphology.
Is this senegalite?
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 senegalite with a known reference. Senegalite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, light yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Senegalite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside senegalite
Minerals reported to co-occur with senegalite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₂(PO₄)(OH)₃·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 2.552 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, radial aggregates, crusts
- Cleavage
- On {010}, poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the oxidized zone of a magnetite iron ore deposit
Where rockhounds find senegalite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kouroudiako iron deposit, Falémé river basin, Senegal
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the oxidized zone of a magnetite iron ore deposit. If you start seeing turquoise, augelite, wavellite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find senegalite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
