Guide
Monazite specimens for sale
9 for sale · $120–$1,200 USD
29 in the gallery
Monazite is a phosphate mineral that forms as reddish-brown to brown prismatic crystals with a typically vitreous to resinous lustre. It occurs in a variety of geological settings, including igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as placer deposits where heavy minerals accumulate. The mineral often exhibits a ruddy hue and can appear in several crystal habits, from well-formed prisms to more compact grains, reflecting its complex cooling histories and replacement processes.
- Formula
- Gd(PO4)
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
- Classification notes
- Phosphate; monazite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 5–5.5
- Specific gravity
- 4.6–5.7
- Luster
- vitreous, resinous, adamantine
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent, opaque
- Color
- yellow, brown, red, green, gray
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- distinct
- Fracture
- uneven, subconchoidal
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, tabular, granular, massive
- Radioactive
- Classic / historic
Buy Monazite specimens
View all 9Where Monazite is found
Top localities
- Bellerberg volcano2 specimens
- Diamantina2 specimens
- Zagi Mountain2 specimens
- Badakhshan1 specimen
- Espírito Santo1 specimen
- Kaduna1 specimen
- Lohning quarry1 specimen
- Mimoso do Sul1 specimen
- Uluguru Mts1 specimen
- Wanni glacier - Scherbadung area1 specimen
Guides
All guidesAbout Monazite
Notable specimens come from Bolivia, Norway, Brazil, Switzerland, and Madagascar, where hydrothermal activity and uplifting have exposed mineral-rich strata. In many localities monazite occurs alongside accessory minerals such as apatite and zircon, contributing to its occurrence in monazite-(Ce) and related compositions. Collectors prize its warm color and the potential for pleasing crystal form, as well as the role monazite plays in geochronology due to its radiation-sensitive U-Pb dating when discussed in academic contexts. Mineral enthusiasts often seek well-formed crystals and aggregates that showcase its characteristic luster and color, adding depth to any collection.
