Fluorarrojadite-(BaFe) is a rare phosphate mineral member of the arrojadite group typically found in granitic pegmatites. It is best identified by its green to brownish-green color and its occurrence in phosphate-rich pegmatite nodules, often requiring analytical testing for definitive identification.
Is this fluorarrojadite-(bafe)?
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 fluorarrojadite-(bafe) with a known reference. Fluorarrojadite-(BaFe) 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. Streak: dark yellowish green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark yellowish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular masses, rarely as distinct crystals.
Often confused with
Fluorarrojadite-(BaFe) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside fluorarrojadite-(bafe)
Minerals reported to co-occur with fluorarrojadite-(bafe). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂CaBaFeFe₁₃Al(PO₄)₁₁(PO₃OH)F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 3.650 g/cm³
- Colors
- Dark yellowish green
- Streak
- Dark yellowish green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular masses, rarely as distinct crystals
- Cleavage
- On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A high-temperature (≈ 800°C) primary mineral in granite pegmatites
Where rockhounds find fluorarrojadite-(bafe)
Classic worldwide localities
- Sidi-bou-Kricha, Jebilet mountains, Marrakech province, Morocco (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A high-temperature (≈ 800°C) primary mineral in granite pegmatites. If you start seeing quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular masses, rarely as distinct crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluorarrojadite-(bafe)?+
Where is fluorarrojadite-(bafe) found?+
What rocks look like fluorarrojadite-(bafe)?+
What minerals are found with fluorarrojadite-(bafe)?+
What kind of rock does fluorarrojadite-(bafe) form in?+
What is fluorarrojadite-(bafe) used for?+
Find fluorarrojadite-(bafe) on the map
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