Whiteite-(CaFeMg) is a complex phosphate mineral typically found as small, distinct yellow-to-brown tabular crystals. It is highly prized by collectors of rare phosphate species, often occurring in association with other secondary phosphates in hydrothermal vein environments.
Is this whiteite-(cafemg)?
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 whiteite-(cafemg) with a known reference. Whiteite-(CaFeMg) 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. Whiteite-(CaFeMg) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Whiteite-(CaFeMg) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, tan.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Whiteite-(CaFeMg) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Whiteite-(CaFeMg) is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3).
How to tell apart: Whiteite-(CaFeMg) is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 1.5-2).
How to tell apart: Wardite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 4).
Often found alongside whiteite-(cafemg)
Minerals reported to co-occur with whiteite-(cafemg). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaFe²⁺Mg₂Al₂(PO₄)₄(OH)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.75 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Pegmatites and Sedimentary Iron Formation Cavities
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find whiteite-(cafemg)
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Fish River, Yukon, Canada
- Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada
- Pala, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich pegmatites and sedimentary iron formation cavities country — that is the host setting where whiteite-(cafemg) typically forms. If you start seeing siderite, vivianite, ludlamite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify whiteite-(cafemg)?+
Where is whiteite-(cafemg) found?+
How much is whiteite-(cafemg) worth?+
What rocks look like whiteite-(cafemg)?+
What minerals are found with whiteite-(cafemg)?+
What kind of rock does whiteite-(cafemg) form in?+
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Find whiteite-(cafemg) on the map
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