Wilhelmvierlingite is a rare phosphate mineral typically found as small, thin plates or radiating groups within phosphate-rich pegmatites. It is most recognized from the Hagendorf-South locality in Germany where it occurs as a secondary mineral during the alteration of primary phosphate species.
Is this wilhelmvierlingite?
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 wilhelmvierlingite with a known reference. Wilhelmvierlingite 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. Wilhelmvierlingite leaves a yellowish white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wilhelmvierlingite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Wilhelmvierlingite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Childrenite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 4); streak differs, so Wilhelmvierlingite leaves yellowish white, Childrenite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Wilhelmvierlingite and vitreous to resinous on Childrenite.
How to tell apart: Eosphorite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 4); streak differs, so Wilhelmvierlingite leaves yellowish white, Eosphorite leaves white.
Often found alongside wilhelmvierlingite
Minerals reported to co-occur with wilhelmvierlingite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMn²⁺Fe²⁺₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find wilhelmvierlingite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hagendorf-South pegmatite, Bavaria, Germany
- Mangualde, Portugal
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where wilhelmvierlingite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, ludlamite, vivianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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