Wopmayite is a rare phosphate mineral discovered in the Tanco pegmatite in Canada, typically occurring as delicate, bladed crystal sprays. Collectors should look for its association with other phosphate species within complex pegmatite zones. It is structurally similar to fairfieldite and is often identified through analytical techniques due to its rarity and subtle macroscopic features.
Is this wopmayite?
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 wopmayite with a known reference. Wopmayite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wopmayite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wopmayite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: bladed or acicular crystals forming radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Wopmayite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside wopmayite
Minerals reported to co-occur with wopmayite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₆(Mg,Fe²⁺)₂Mn³⁺(PO₄)₆(PO₃OH)₂·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.17 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed or Acicular Crystals Forming Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 for micro-mount or small specimen
Where rockhounds find wopmayite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tanco pegmatite (Manitoba, Canada)
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where wopmayite typically forms. If you start seeing tancoite, lithiophilite, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed or acicular crystals forming radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find wopmayite on the map
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