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).

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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

Where rockhounds find zadovite

Classic worldwide localities

Hatrurim Formation, Israel

Field-hunting tip

Look in pyrometamorphic rocks country, 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.

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.