Goldquarryite is a rare phosphate mineral originally described from the Gold Quarry mine in Nevada. It typically forms small, blue to blue-gray tabular crystals or aggregates within phosphate-rich ore zones.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Goldquarryite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this goldquarryite?

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 goldquarryite with a known reference. Goldquarryite 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. Goldquarryite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Goldquarryite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, blue-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.

Often confused with

Goldquarryite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Variscite

Mohs 3.5-4.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Goldquarryite and waxy on Variscite.

Often found alongside goldquarryite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuCd₂Al₃(PO₄)₄F₃·10H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Blue-gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Phosphate-rich Sedimentary Rock Environments

Where rockhounds find goldquarryite

Classic worldwide localities

Gold Quarry mine, Nevada, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in phosphate-rich sedimentary rock environments country, the host setting where goldquarryite typically forms. If you start seeing variscite, wavellite, crandallite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify goldquarryite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, blue-gray.

Where is goldquarryite found?+

Notable localities include Gold Quarry mine, Nevada, USA.

Is goldquarryite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains cadmium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like goldquarryite?+

Goldquarryite is most often confused with Variscite, Wavellite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with goldquarryite?+

Goldquarryite commonly co-occurs with variscite, wavellite, crandallite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does goldquarryite form in?+

Goldquarryite typically forms in phosphate-rich sedimentary rock environments. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is goldquarryite used for?+

Goldquarryite is used in collector.

Find goldquarryite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.