Zadovite is a rare phosphate mineral found in pyrometamorphic combustion complexes within the Hatrurim Formation. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals associated with other high-temperature calcium-silicate minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareHatrurite Group family

Zadovite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this zadovite?

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 zadovite with a known reference. Zadovite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zadovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zadovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular.

Often confused with

Zadovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Aradite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 3.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside zadovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄(Si₂O₇)(PO₄)₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.04 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pyrometamorphic Rocks
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find zadovite

Classic worldwide localities

Hatrurim Formation, Israel

Field-hunting tip

Look in pyrometamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where zadovite typically forms. If you start seeing hatrurite, fluorapatite, gehlenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zadovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, pale yellow.

Where is zadovite found?+

Notable localities include Hatrurim Formation, Israel.

How much is zadovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like zadovite?+

Zadovite is most often confused with Hatrurite, Aradite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with zadovite?+

Zadovite commonly co-occurs with Hatrurite, Fluorapatite, Gehlenite, Brownmillerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zadovite form in?+

Zadovite typically forms in pyrometamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zadovite used for?+

Zadovite is used in collector.

Find zadovite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.