Santabarbaraite specimens for sale
1 for sale · $500 USD
2 in the gallery
Santabarbaraite is an iron phosphate mineral with the formula Fe3+3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5H2O. It forms in hydrated environments and tends to occur as small to medium-sized crystals or crusts that exhibit a pale to warm orange-brown to yellowish color and a vitreous to dull luster. Crystallographic habits often show fan-like aggregates or acicular, radiating sprays, reflecting its layered, hydrated structure. Notable specimens have been reported from Ukraine, where localities produce crystals that are sought after for their delicate beauty and unusual hydration state among phosphates.
- Formula
- Fe³⁺₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₃ · 5H₂O.
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Phosphate; amorphous hydrated ferric phosphate
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- amorphous
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Specific gravity
- 2.23
- Luster
- vitreous, waxy, dull
- Transparency
- translucent, opaque
- Color
- brown, yellow, orange
- Streak
- yellow, brown
- Cleavage
- none
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- botryoidal, massive, granular
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About Santabarbaraite
Collectors value santabarbaraite for its rarity and the intrigue of a highly hydrated phosphate. The mineral’s moderate collector interest stems from its distinctive appearance and limited availability in the trade, rather than abundant, classic crystal forms. While not common, well-formed crystals and attractive aesthetic specimens from well-documented localities offer appeal for display cabinets and study alike, especially for those assembling a focused collection of phosphate minerals or minerals with notable hydration chemistry.