Swaknoite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral typically found in guano-rich environments. It usually forms as small, colorless, acicular crystals associated with other phosphate minerals in cave deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Swaknoite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this swaknoite?

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 swaknoite with a known reference. Swaknoite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Swaknoite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Swaknoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside swaknoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca(NH₄)₂(HPO₄)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 1.74 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular or Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Guano Deposits
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find swaknoite

Classic worldwide localities

Swartkoppies, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in guano deposits country — that is the host setting where swaknoite typically forms. If you start seeing hannayite, brushite, newberyite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify swaknoite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is swaknoite found?+

Notable localities include Swartkoppies, Namibia.

How much is swaknoite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like swaknoite?+

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

What minerals are found with swaknoite?+

Swaknoite commonly co-occurs with Hannayite, Brushite, Newberyite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does swaknoite form in?+

Swaknoite typically forms in guano deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is swaknoite used for?+

Swaknoite is used in collector.

Find swaknoite on the map

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