RockHoundR

Wooldridgeite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral discovered at the Wolfe Creek meteorite crater. It typically forms as delicate, pale blue-green bladed crystal clusters associated with weathering copper-bearing minerals in arid conditions.

Hardness
2-3
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
Very pale blue-green
Transparency
Transparent

Is this wooldridgeite?

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 wooldridgeite with a known reference. Wooldridgeite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: very pale blue-green.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: greenish blue.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: crystalline.

Often found alongside wooldridgeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula
Na₂CaCu₂(P₂O₇)₂·10H₂O
Mohs hardness
2-3
Density
2.279 g/cm³
Colors
Greenish blue
Streak
Very pale blue-green
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Orthorhombic
Crystal habit
Crystalline
Cleavage
None
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
A rare weathering product of primary sulfides, the source of phosphorus enigmatic

Where rockhounds find wooldridgeite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Judkins quarry, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A rare weathering product of primary sulfides, the source of phosphorus enigmatic. If you start seeing calcite, chalcopyrite, bornite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: crystalline. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wooldridgeite?+
Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is very pale blue-green. Common colors include greenish blue.
Where is wooldridgeite found?+
Notable localities include Judkins quarry, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England.
Is wooldridgeite safe to handle?+
Wooldridgeite contains copper. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.
What minerals are found with wooldridgeite?+
Wooldridgeite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Barite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does wooldridgeite form in?+
Where it forms: A rare weathering product of primary sulfides, the source of phosphorus enigmatic. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is wooldridgeite used for?+
Wooldridgeite is used in collector.

Find wooldridgeite on the map

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