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 — Zavalíaite leaves yellow, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.

How to tell apart: Zavalíaite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — 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 — that is 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.