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.
Is this whiteite-(mnfemg)?
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-(mnfemg) with a known reference. Whiteite-(MnFeMg) 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-(MnFeMg) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Whiteite-(MnFeMg) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, sometimes in radiating clusters.
Often confused with
Whiteite-(MnFeMg) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- CaMn²⁺Fe²⁺Mg₂Al₂(PO₄)₄(OH)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.75 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Sometimes in Radiating Clusters
- Cleavage
- Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-200 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality
Where rockhounds find whiteite-(mnfemg)
Classic worldwide localities
- Tip Top Mine, South Dakota, USA
- Palermo No. 1 Mine, New Hampshire, USA
- Big Fish River, Yukon Territory, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where whiteite-(mnfemg) typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, eosphorite, rockbridgeite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, sometimes in radiating clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify whiteite-(mnfemg)?+
Where is whiteite-(mnfemg) found?+
How much is whiteite-(mnfemg) worth?+
What rocks look like whiteite-(mnfemg)?+
What minerals are found with whiteite-(mnfemg)?+
What kind of rock does whiteite-(mnfemg) form in?+
What is whiteite-(mnfemg) used for?+
Find whiteite-(mnfemg) on the map
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