Svabite is a rare arsenate mineral belonging to the apatite group, primarily found in skarn-related manganese-iron deposits. Collectors typically look for its short, prismatic to tabular hexagonal crystals often displaying brownish or yellowish hues.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareApatite Group family

Svabite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this svabite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch svabite with a known reference. Svabite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Svabite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Svabite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, brown, pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Svabite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Svabite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4); luster reads vitreous on Svabite and adamantine on Mimetite.

Compare →

Often found alongside svabite

Minerals reported to co-occur with svabite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₅(AsO₄)₃F
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellow Brown Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find svabite

Classic worldwide localities

Jakobsberg mine, Sweden
Långban, Sweden
Franklin, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where svabite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, barite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify svabite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellow, brown.

Where is svabite found?+

Notable localities include Jakobsberg mine, Sweden; Långban, Sweden; Franklin, New Jersey, USA.

How much is svabite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is svabite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and do not ingest dust or inhale particles. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like svabite?+

Svabite is most often confused with Apatite, Mimetite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with svabite?+

Svabite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Barite, Calcite, Andradite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does svabite form in?+

Svabite typically forms in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is svabite used for?+

Svabite is used in collector.

Find svabite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.