Galileiite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral first discovered in lunar meteorites and later identified in alkaline igneous complexes on Earth. It typically occurs as minute, colorless to pale yellow grains that require microscopic analysis for definitive field identification. It is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its unique extraterrestrial discovery history.
Is this galileiite?
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 galileiite with a known reference. Galileiite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: waxy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: very pale amber brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Galileiite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside galileiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with galileiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaFe²⁺₄(PO₄)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.91 g/cm³
- Colors
- Very pale amber brown
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Waxy
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Very rare, as inclusions within troilite nodules in type IIIAB iron meteorites
Where rockhounds find galileiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Grant, El Ampal, Mount Edith, Chupaderos, and Bella Roca meteorites
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Very rare, as inclusions within troilite nodules in type IIIAB iron meteorites. If you start seeing chromite, troilite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify galileiite?+
Where is galileiite found?+
What rocks look like galileiite?+
What minerals are found with galileiite?+
What kind of rock does galileiite form in?+
What is galileiite used for?+
Find galileiite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
