How do I identify Adelite?

Adelite can be identified by its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Adelite?

Adelite typically appears in Colourless, white, grey, bluish grey, yellowish grey, yellow, pale green, pinkish brown, brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Adelite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

How to Identify Adelite | Properties, Meaning & Uses

What is Adelite?

The rare mineral adelite, is a calcium, magnesium, arsenate with chemical formula CaMgAsO4OH. It forms a solid solution series with the vanadium-bearing mineral gottlobite. Various transition metals substitute for magnesium and lead replaces calcium leading to a variety of similar minerals in the adelite - duftite group. Adelite forms variably colored (blue, green, yellow and grey) crystals in the orthorhombic crystal system. The form is typically massive. It has a Mohs hardness rating of 5 and a specific gravity of 3.73 to 3.79. It was first described in 1891 from Värmland, Sweden. Its name comes from the Greek word for indistinct.

Adelite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Adelite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Adelite Localities Map

See where Adelite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: Colourless, white, grey, bluish grey, yellowish grey, yellow, pale green, pinkish brown, brown
Hardness (Mohs): 5
Density: 3.78 g/cm³
Streak: White