Zanazziite is a rare phosphate mineral found primarily in the complex granitic pegmatites of Brazil. It is most recognized by collectors for its attractive olive-green to yellowish-green sprays of prismatic crystals, often occurring in cavities alongside other secondary phosphate minerals.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareRoscherite Group family

Zanazziite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this zanazziite?

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 zanazziite with a known reference. Zanazziite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zanazziite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zanazziite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green, olive-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals, often in radiating clusters or fan-shaped sprays.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside zanazziite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂(Mg,Fe²⁺)₄Be₄(PO₄)₆(OH)₄·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 2.90 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellow-green Olive-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals, Often in Radiating Clusters or Fan-shaped Sprays
Cleavage: Poor On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find zanazziite

Classic worldwide localities

Lavra da Ilha, Taquaral, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Sapucaia pegmatite, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where zanazziite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, muscovite, beryl in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals, often in radiating clusters or fan-shaped sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zanazziite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, yellow-green, olive-green.

Where is zanazziite found?+

Notable localities include Lavra da Ilha, Taquaral, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Sapucaia pegmatite, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

How much is zanazziite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like zanazziite?+

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

What minerals are found with zanazziite?+

Zanazziite commonly co-occurs with Albite, Muscovite, Beryl, Apatite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zanazziite form in?+

Zanazziite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zanazziite used for?+

Zanazziite is used in collector.

Find zanazziite on the map

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