Turneaureite is a rare arsenic-bearing mineral belonging to the apatite supergroup, primarily found in metamorphosed manganese deposits. It typically forms as small, prismatic, or anhedral crystals and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its scarcity and specific geological occurrence.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApatite Supergroup family

Turneaureite

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

Is this turneaureite?

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 turneaureite with a known reference. Turneaureite 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. Turneaureite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Turneaureite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

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

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Often found alongside turneaureite

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

Baryte
mineral · Mohs 3-3.5

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₅(AsO₄)₃Cl
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find turneaureite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden
Franklin, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where turneaureite typically forms. If you start seeing haematite, schefferite, baryte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify turneaureite?+

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

Where is turneaureite found?+

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

How much is turneaureite 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 turneaureite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element; wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid inhaling dust or powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like turneaureite?+

Turneaureite 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 turneaureite?+

Turneaureite commonly co-occurs with Haematite, Schefferite, Baryte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does turneaureite form in?+

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

What is turneaureite used for?+

Turneaureite is used in collector.

Find turneaureite on the map

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