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, 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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