Whiteite-(MnFeMg) is a rare phosphate mineral typically found as small, translucent yellow to brown tabular crystals in complex granite pegmatites. Collectors generally look for these crystals associated with other secondary phosphate minerals in vugs or fractures. It is best identified through its distinct color and associations within pegmatitic environments.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Brownish white

Transparency

Semitransparent

mineralrareWhiteite Group family

Whiteite-(MnFeMg)

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Brownish white
Transparency: Semitransparent

Is this whiteite-(mnfemg)?

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 whiteite-(mnfemg) with a known reference. Whiteite-(MnFeMg) sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brownish white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: chocolate brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: aggregates.

Often confused with

Whiteite-(MnFeMg) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Laueite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Whiteite-(MnFeMg) leaves brownish white, Laueite leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside whiteite-(mnfemg)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: MnFeMg₂Al₂(PO₄)₄(OH)₂·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.67 g/cm³
Colors: Chocolate brown
Streak: Brownish white
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Semitransparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Aggregates
Cleavage: On {001}, good to perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In complex zoned granite pegmatites

Where rockhounds find whiteite-(mnfemg)

Classic worldwide localities

Lavra da Ilha pegmatite, in the Jequitinhonha River, three km north of Taquaral, and at the Énio pegmatite mine, northeast of Galiléia, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In complex zoned granite pegmatites. If you start seeing eosphorite, zanazziite, wardite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify whiteite-(mnfemg)?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. Luster: vitreous. The streak is brownish white. Common colors include chocolate brown.

Where is whiteite-(mnfemg) found?+

Notable localities include Lavra da Ilha pegmatite, in the Jequitinhonha River, three km north of Taquaral, and at the Énio pegmatite mine, northeast of Galiléia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

What rocks look like whiteite-(mnfemg)?+

Whiteite-(MnFeMg) is most often confused with Laueite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with whiteite-(mnfemg)?+

Whiteite-(MnFeMg) commonly co-occurs with Eosphorite, Zanazziite, Wardite, Albite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does whiteite-(mnfemg) form in?+

Where it forms: In complex zoned granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is whiteite-(mnfemg) used for?+

Whiteite-(MnFeMg) is used in collector.

Find whiteite-(mnfemg) on the map

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