Mendozavilite-NaFe is a rare phosphate-molybdate mineral typically found as a secondary oxidation product in molybdenum-rich ore deposits. Collectors primarily find it as thin, dusty, or earthy yellow-to-orange coatings on host rock rather than distinct large crystals.
Is this mendozavilite-nafe?
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 mendozavilite-nafe with a known reference. Mendozavilite-NaFe sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mendozavilite-NaFe leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mendozavilite-NaFe typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: powdery, earthy crusts, microcrystalline aggregates.
Often confused with
Mendozavilite-NaFe vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Mendozavilite-NaFe and vitreous to subadamantine on Mendozavilite-KCa.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mendozavilite-NaFe leaves yellow, Molybdite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Mendozavilite-NaFe and adamantine on Molybdite.
Often found alongside mendozavilite-nafe
Minerals reported to co-occur with mendozavilite-nafe. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaFe₄(PO₄)₃(Mo,W)₂O₈(OH)₂(H₂O)₁₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.85 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Powdery, Earthy Crusts, Microcrystalline Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Molybdenum-bearing Deposits
Where rockhounds find mendozavilite-nafe
Classic worldwide localities
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Chile
- Nevada, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of molybdenum-bearing deposits country, the host setting where mendozavilite-nafe typically forms. If you start seeing jarosite, molybdenite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a powdery, earthy crusts, microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mendozavilite-nafe?+
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What rocks look like mendozavilite-nafe?+
What minerals are found with mendozavilite-nafe?+
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Find mendozavilite-nafe on the map
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