Strontioperloffite is a rare phosphate mineral found in phosphate-rich pegmatites, typically occurring as small, dark brown, platy crystals. It is structurally related to the perloffite group and is primarily a target for advanced micromount or systematic mineral collectors.
Is this strontioperloffite?
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 strontioperloffite with a known reference. Strontioperloffite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Strontioperloffite leaves a pale brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Strontioperloffite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Strontioperloffite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside strontioperloffite
Minerals reported to co-occur with strontioperloffite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SrMn²⁺₂Fe³⁺₂(PO₄)₃(OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.84 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find strontioperloffite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where strontioperloffite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, muscovite, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify strontioperloffite?+
Where is strontioperloffite found?+
How much is strontioperloffite worth?+
What rocks look like strontioperloffite?+
What minerals are found with strontioperloffite?+
What kind of rock does strontioperloffite form in?+
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Find strontioperloffite on the map
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