Yancowinnaite is an exceptionally rare phosphate mineral belonging to the tsumcorite group, typically found as tiny, vibrant yellow prismatic crystals. It is primarily documented from the oxidized zones of lead-zinc-silver ore bodies in the Broken Hill region of Australia. Due to its scarcity and small crystal size, it is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors and those focusing on rare secondary phosphates.
Is this yancowinnaite?
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 yancowinnaite with a known reference. Yancowinnaite 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. Yancowinnaite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Yancowinnaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: small prismatic crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Yancowinnaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside yancowinnaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with yancowinnaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCuAl(PO₄)₂(OH)·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Small Prismatic Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Lead-zinc-silver Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 for micro-mounts
Where rockhounds find yancowinnaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal lead-zinc-silver deposits country — that is the host setting where yancowinnaite typically forms. If you start seeing malachite, azurite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a small prismatic crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find yancowinnaite on the map
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