How do I identify Whitlockite?

Whitlockite 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 Whitlockite?

Whitlockite typically appears in Colourless, grey-white, light pink, light yellow, colourless in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Whitlockite?

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

Whitlockite

A variety of Minerals

What is Whitlockite?

Whitlockite is a mineral, an unusual form of calcium phosphate. Its formula is Ca9(MgFe)(PO4)6PO3OH. It is a relatively rare mineral but is found in granitic pegmatites, phosphate rock deposits, guano caves and in chondrite meteorites. It was first described in 1941 and named for Herbert Percy Whitlock (1868–1948), American mineralogist, Curator, American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY, US. With regards to periodontal dentistry, magnesium whitlockite comprises one component of many of the inorganic content of calculus. It is found primarily in subgingival calculus (as opposed to supragingival calculus). It is also found more in posterior as opposed to anterior regions of the oral cavity.

Optical Properties

Optical Character: Uniaxial negative

Whitlockite Market Value Calculator

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

Whitlockite Localities Map

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

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Whitlockite

Each of the phases of whitlockite described above exhibit approximately the same physical properties. They display no cleavage, fracture subconchoidal to uneven, and tend to be brittle. They are classified with a hardness of 5 and a density of 3.12 g/cm. Color varieties are colorless, white, gray, yellowish or pinkish, and can be transparent to translucent. Whitlockites exhibit a vitreous to resinous luster. The typical habit of whitlockite is rhombohedral crystals, but whitlockite can also rarely be tabular. The crystal habit of whitlockite also ranges from coarse granular to earthy.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: Colourless, grey-white, light pink, light yellow, colourless in transmitted light.
Hardness (Mohs): 5
Density: 3.102 g/cm³
Streak: White