Falsterite
A variety of Minerals
What is Falsterite?
Falsterite is a rare phosphate mineral with the formula Ca2MgMn2(Fe0.5Fe0.5)4Zn4(PO4)8(OH)4(H2O)14. It is a pegmatitic mineral, related to the currently approved mineral ferraioloite.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Falsterite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Falsterite Localities Map
See where Falsterite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Falsterite
Falsterite was found in Palermo No. 1 pegmatite, North Groton, Grafton County, New Hampshire, US. Co-type locality is pegmatite at Estes quarry, Baldwin, Cumberland County, Maine, US. Falsterite is a product of alteration of triphylite and sphalerite.
Composition of Falsterite
Main features of the crystal structure of falsterite, which is somewhat similar to that of schoonerite, are: chains of FeO6 octahedra, displaying edge-sharing chains of ZnO4 tetrahedra, that display corner-sharing sheets, parallel to {010}, formed by linking the above two types of chains by PO4 tetrahedra slabs formed by linking the sheets with MnO6 octahedra and CaO7 polyhedra The slabs are bridged by dimers of MgO6 octahedra that display edge-sharing. Magnesium-bearing octahedra share edges with zinc-bearing tetrahedra.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Greenish blue
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2
- Density
- 2.837 g/cm³
- Streak
- Very pale greenish blue
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca2MgMn2+2Fe2+2Fe3+2Zn4(PO4)8(OH)4(H2O)14
- Elements
- Ca, Fe, H, Mg, Mn, O, P, Zn
Identify Falsterite Instantly
- Snap a photo, get instant results
- 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
- Discover collecting spots near you
Falsterite FAQs
How do I identify Falsterite?
Falsterite can be identified by its hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale, Greenish blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Falsterite?
Falsterite typically appears in Greenish blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Falsterite?
Falsterite has a hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the formation of falsterite of Falsterite?
Falsterite was found in Palermo No. 1 pegmatite, North Groton, Grafton County, New Hampshire, US. Co-type locality is pegmatite at Estes quarry, Baldwin, Cumberland County, Maine, US. Falsterite is a product of alteration of triphylite and sphalerite.
What is the composition of falsterite of Falsterite?
Main features of the crystal structure of falsterite, which is somewhat similar to that of schoonerite, are: chains of FeO6 octahedra, displaying edge-sharing chains of ZnO4 tetrahedra, that display corner-sharing sheets, parallel to {010}, formed by linking the above two types of chains by PO4 tetrahedra slabs formed by linking the sheets with MnO6 octahedra and CaO7 polyhedra The slabs are bridged by dimers of MgO6 octahedra that display edge-sharing. Magnesium-bearing octahedra share edges with zinc-bearing tetrahedra.
%252FAbenakiite-(ce)-01.jpg&size=small)
