Whiteite-(MnMnMg) is a rare phosphate mineral typically found in complex granite pegmatites. Collectors usually look for its characteristic yellowish-brown tabular crystals that often form radiating or bladed aggregates associated with secondary phosphate minerals.
Is this whiteite-(mnmnmg)?
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-(mnmnmg) with a known reference. Whiteite-(MnMnMg) 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-(MnMnMg) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Whiteite-(MnMnMg) 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 to prismatic crystals, often as complex aggregates.
Often confused with
Whiteite-(MnMnMg) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside whiteite-(mnmnmg)
Minerals reported to co-occur with whiteite-(mnmnmg). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMn²⁺Mg₂Al₂(PO₄)₄(OH)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.73-2.82 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Prismatic Crystals, Often as Complex Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find whiteite-(mnmnmg)
Classic worldwide localities
- Tip Top Mine, South Dakota, USA
- Big Chief Mine, South Dakota, USA
- Mangualde, Portugal
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where whiteite-(mnmnmg) typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, fairfieldite, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to prismatic crystals, often as complex aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify whiteite-(mnmnmg)?+
Where is whiteite-(mnmnmg) found?+
How much is whiteite-(mnmnmg) worth?+
What rocks look like whiteite-(mnmnmg)?+
What minerals are found with whiteite-(mnmnmg)?+
What kind of rock does whiteite-(mnmnmg) form in?+
What is whiteite-(mnmnmg) used for?+
Find whiteite-(mnmnmg) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
