RocksdayBrazilianite vs Phosphophyllite
The quickest way to tell Brazilianite from Phosphophyllite: Brazilianite is clearly harder: Mohs 5.5 versus 3–3.5.
A chartreuse-yellow phosphate forming sharp, glassy crystals in Brazilian pegmatites.
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0
A rare blue-green zinc-iron phosphate. Almost all fine crystals came from one mine in Potosí, Bolivia.
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick tests
- Hardness: Brazilianite is clearly harder: Mohs 5.5 versus 3–3.5.
Key differences
- Brazilianite is yellow-green, harder (about 5.5) and forms wedge-shaped crystals.
Side by side
| Property | Brazilianite | Phosphophyllite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 3–3.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Yellow, Green | Green, Blue |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | Monoclinic |
| Specific gravity | 2.98 | 3.08–3.1 |
| Formula | NaAl₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₄ | Zn₂Fe(PO₄)₂·4H₂O |
| Found in | Minas Gerais, Brazil; New Hampshire | Potosí, Bolivia |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify brazilianite
- Yellow-green, glassy, wedge-shaped crystals.
- Hardness about 5.5.
- Light in weight.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Brazilianite guide →How to identify phosphophyllite
- Blue-green transparent blades.
- Hardness only 3–3.5, with a perfect cleavage.
- A knife scratches it easily.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Phosphophyllite guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between brazilianite and phosphophyllite?
Brazilianite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 5.5 and a vitreous luster, usually yellow or green. Phosphophyllite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 3–3.5 and a vitreous luster, usually green or blue.
How can you tell brazilianite from phosphophyllite?
Brazilianite is clearly harder: Mohs 5.5 versus 3–3.5. Brazilianite is yellow-green, harder (about 5.5) and forms wedge-shaped crystals.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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