Arrojadite-(PbFe) is a rare phosphate mineral primarily found in complex granite pegmatites. It usually occurs as massive, granular aggregates with a vitreous luster, appearing in shades of green or brown. Collectors often prize it as a significant species from lithium-bearing pegmatite localities.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareArrojadite Group family

Arrojadite-(PbFe)

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this arrojadite-(pbfe)?

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 arrojadite-(pbfe) with a known reference. Arrojadite-(PbFe) sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale honey.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

Arrojadite-(PbFe) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Arrojadite-(PbFe) leaves white, Hureaulite leaves nearly white.

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Often found alongside arrojadite-(pbfe)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbFe²⁺(CaNa₂)Fe²⁺₁₃Al(PO₄)₁₁(PO₃OH)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.596 g/cm³
Colors: Pale honey
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A high-temperature (≈ 800°C) primary mineral in granite pegmatites

Where rockhounds find arrojadite-(pbfe)

Classic worldwide localities

Sapucaia pegmatite, Galileia, Rio Doce basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A high-temperature (≈ 800°C) primary mineral in granite pegmatites. If you start seeing triphylite, chloritized biotite, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify arrojadite-(pbfe)?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include pale honey.

Where is arrojadite-(pbfe) found?+

Notable localities include Sapucaia pegmatite, Galileia, Rio Doce basin, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Is arrojadite-(pbfe) safe to handle?+

Arrojadite-(PbFe) contains lead. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like arrojadite-(pbfe)?+

Arrojadite-(PbFe) is most often confused with Triphylite, Hureaulite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with arrojadite-(pbfe)?+

Arrojadite-(PbFe) commonly co-occurs with Triphylite, Chloritized biotite, Albite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does arrojadite-(pbfe) form in?+

Where it forms: A high-temperature (≈ 800°C) primary mineral in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is arrojadite-(pbfe) used for?+

Arrojadite-(PbFe) is used in collector.

Find arrojadite-(pbfe) on the map

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