Amblygonite

Crystal system · Triclinic

Amblygonite is a phosphate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with known Chinese sources.

About Amblygonite

Amblygonite is classified as a phosphate mineral in the amblygonite-montebrasite series and has the chemical formula LiAlPO4F. It crystallizes in the triclinic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.

Identification & care

Crystals commonly develop as prismatic, equant, massive. Its color range is broad, including white, pale yellow, pale green, pale blue, and colorless. The luster is vitreous to resinous, pearly on cleavage, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is perfect {100}, good {110}, {011}. The fracture is irregular to subconchoidal, which aids identification.

Collector context

Collector notes

For collectors, Amblygonite is a benchmark crystalline species. Amblygonite is widely represented across Chinese provinces, including Sichuan, Henan, Jiangxi, Fujian.