Wycheproofite is a rare phosphate mineral first discovered in the granite pegmatites near Wycheproof, Victoria. It typically occurs as small, delicate, pale yellow rhombohedral crystals found in cavities of weathered granite boulders. Due to its extreme rarity and very limited type locality, it is highly sought after by advanced micromount collectors.
Is this wycheproofite?
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 wycheproofite with a known reference. Wycheproofite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wycheproofite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Wycheproofite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: small rhombohedral crystals.
Often confused with
Wycheproofite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside wycheproofite
Minerals reported to co-occur with wycheproofite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaAlZr(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Small Rhombohedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find wycheproofite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wycheproof, Victoria, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where wycheproofite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find wycheproofite on the map
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