Nagelschmidtite is a rare calcium silicate-phosphate mineral typically found in metamorphic environments created by the natural combustion of coal seams. It is usually found as small, non-descript grains or massive white aggregates, making it primarily a specimen for specialized mineralogical collections.
Is this nagelschmidtite?
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 nagelschmidtite with a known reference. Nagelschmidtite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nagelschmidtite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Nagelschmidtite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fine-grained aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Nagelschmidtite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside nagelschmidtite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nagelschmidtite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₇(SiO₄)₂(PO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.98 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Fine-grained Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pyrometamorphic Rocks, Burning Coal Seams
- Typical price
- $50-200 for micro-mounts
Where rockhounds find nagelschmidtite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bellerberg Volcano, Germany
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
- Jordan
Field-hunting tip
Look in pyrometamorphic rocks, burning coal seams country — that is the host setting where nagelschmidtite typically forms. If you start seeing larnite, rankinite, gehlenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fine-grained aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nagelschmidtite?+
Where is nagelschmidtite found?+
How much is nagelschmidtite worth?+
What rocks look like nagelschmidtite?+
What minerals are found with nagelschmidtite?+
What kind of rock does nagelschmidtite form in?+
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Find nagelschmidtite on the map
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