Gatehouseite
A variety of Minerals
What is Gatehouseite?
Gatehouseite occurs as radiating or divergent groups of bladelike crystals up to 100 μm by 20 μm by 5 μm in size and as overgrowths on arsenoclasite that are up to 5 mm long. The transparent mineral can be brownish-orange or yellow in color. Gatehouseite is the phosphorus analogue of arsenoclasite. The mineral occurs in cavities in sedimentary iron and manganese deposits in association with arsenoclasite, shigaite, hematite, hausmannite, triploidite, barite, and manganoan ferroan calcite. Based on a 1977 experiment that produced triploidite, it is likely that gatehouseite formed by a reaction between hausmannite and basic phosphorus-rich fluids at low temperature and variable pH conditions.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Gatehouseite 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.
Gatehouseite Localities Map
See where Gatehouseite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Gatehouseite
Gatehouseite has the space group P212121. The crystal structure consists of Mn(O, OH)6 octahedra and PO4 tetrahedra. The five manganese sites are occupied by manganese and small amounts of magnesium. The two phosphorus sites are occupied by phosphorus and small amounts of silicon and arsenic.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Pale yellow. Occasionally light reddish orange to light reddish brown and may be confused with arsenoclasite.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 4
- Density
- 3.74 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale yellow
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Mn2+5(PO4)2(OH)4
- Elements
- H, Mn, O, P
Identify Gatehouseite Instantly
- Snap a photo, get instant results
- 6,700+ rocks, minerals & crystals
- Discover collecting spots near you
Gatehouseite FAQs
How do I identify Gatehouseite?
Gatehouseite can be identified by its hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale, Pale yellow. Occasionally light reddish orange to light reddish brown and may be confused with arsenoclasite. color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Gatehouseite?
Gatehouseite typically appears in Pale yellow. Occasionally light reddish orange to light reddish brown and may be confused with arsenoclasite.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Gatehouseite?
Gatehouseite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the composition of gatehouseite of Gatehouseite?
Gatehouseite has the space group P212121. The crystal structure consists of Mn(O, OH)6 octahedra and PO4 tetrahedra. The five manganese sites are occupied by manganese and small amounts of magnesium. The two phosphorus sites are occupied by phosphorus and small amounts of silicon and arsenic.
%252FAbenakiite-(ce)-01.jpg&size=small)
