Zavalíaite is a rare cadmium phosphate mineral known primarily from its type locality in Argentina. It typically occurs as small, yellow granular masses within phosphate-rich zones of pegmatites.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareVivianite Group family

Zavalíaite

Zavalíaite is a rare cadmium phosphate mineral known primarily from its type locality in Argentina. It typically occurs as small, yellow granular masses within phosphate-rich zones of pegmatites.

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this zavalíaite?

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 zavalíaite with a known reference. Zavalíaite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zavalíaite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zavalíaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Vivianite

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Zavalíaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Zavalíaite leaves yellow, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.

How to tell apart: Zavalíaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs, so Zavalíaite leaves yellow, Bobierrite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Zavalíaite and pearly on Bobierrite.

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Often found alongside zavalíaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cd₃(PO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-brown
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find zavalíaite

Classic worldwide localities

Zavalía, Argentina

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites country, the host setting where zavalíaite typically forms. If you start seeing apatite, triplite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zavalíaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellow-brown.

Where is zavalíaite found?+

Notable localities include Zavalía, Argentina.

How much is zavalíaite 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.

Is zavalíaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains cadmium, a toxic heavy metal; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like zavalíaite?+

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

What minerals are found with zavalíaite?+

Zavalíaite commonly co-occurs with Apatite, Triplite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zavalíaite form in?+

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

What is zavalíaite used for?+

Zavalíaite is used in collector.

Find zavalíaite on the map

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