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.
Is this zanazziite?
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 zanazziite with a known reference. Zanazziite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zanazziite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zanazziite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green, olive-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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
- 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 — that is 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?+
Where is zanazziite found?+
How much is zanazziite worth?+
What rocks look like zanazziite?+
What minerals are found with zanazziite?+
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Find zanazziite on the map
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