Natrowalentaite is a rare phosphate mineral typically occurring as thin, tabular, yellowish crystals within pegmatite pockets. It is primarily found as a secondary mineral resulting from the alteration of primary phosphate minerals. Collectors prize it for its vibrant color and delicate, localized crystal growth patterns.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Natrowalentaite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this natrowalentaite?

4-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 natrowalentaite with a known reference. Natrowalentaite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: bright greenish yellow.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside natrowalentaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: [Fe₀.₅Na₀.₅(H₂O)₆][NaAs₂(Fe₂.₃₃W₀.₆₇)(PO₄)₂O₇]
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.91 g/cm³
Colors: Bright greenish yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect on {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: On fracture surfaces in iron-stained heavily weathered rock as a product of supergene alteration of primary sulfide and arsenide minerals

Where rockhounds find natrowalentaite

Classic worldwide localities

Griffins Find gold deposit, ~15 km northwest of Lake Grace and 275 km southeast of Perth, Western Australia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: On fracture surfaces in iron-stained heavily weathered rock as a product of supergene alteration of primary sulfide and arsenide minerals. If you start seeing natropharmacosiderite, jarosite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify natrowalentaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include bright greenish yellow.

Where is natrowalentaite found?+

Notable localities include Griffins Find gold deposit, ~15 km northwest of Lake Grace and 275 km southeast of Perth, Western Australia.

Is natrowalentaite safe to handle?+

Natrowalentaite contains arsenic and calls for real care. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like natrowalentaite?+

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

What minerals are found with natrowalentaite?+

Natrowalentaite commonly co-occurs with Natropharmacosiderite, Jarosite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does natrowalentaite form in?+

Where it forms: On fracture surfaces in iron-stained heavily weathered rock as a product of supergene alteration of primary sulfide and arsenide minerals. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is natrowalentaite used for?+

Natrowalentaite is used in collector.

Find natrowalentaite on the map

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