Viitaniemiite is a very rare phosphate mineral found primarily in complex granite pegmatites. It is typically discovered as massive aggregates and is distinguished from similar-looking phosphate minerals like amblygonite through specific chemical analysis.
Is this viitaniemiite?
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 viitaniemiite with a known reference. Viitaniemiite 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. Viitaniemiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Viitaniemiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Viitaniemiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside viitaniemiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with viitaniemiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(Ca,Mn)Al(PO₄)(F,OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find viitaniemiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Viitaniemi pegmatite, Orivesi, Finland
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where viitaniemiite typically forms. If you start seeing beryl, columbite, triplite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find viitaniemiite on the map
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