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Childrenite
Childrenite is phosphates, FeAl(PO4)(OH)2·H2O. In the hand, it rates 5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs brown and yellow-brown. Glassy golden-brown pyramidal crystals, often in sparkly drusy crusts on granite-pegmatite or hydrothermal vein matrix. Cornwall and Devon (England, classic), Minas Gerais (Brazil), Yukon (Canada).
The geology.
Childrenite carries the formula FeAl(PO4)(OH)2·H2O. It belongs to the orthorhombic system. Its listing category is phosphates.
It sits at 5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous to resinous. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 3.18 to 3.25. The streak is white to yellowish. It breaks with poor cleavage; uneven fracture.
Glassy golden-brown pyramidal crystals, often in sparkly drusy crusts on granite-pegmatite or hydrothermal vein matrix.
It turns up mostly as sharp pyramidal micro crystals, drusy crusts or crystals on matrix.
The origins.
Cornwall and Devon (England, classic), Minas Gerais (Brazil), Yukon (Canada).
On value, the database notes: collector mineral; sharp Cornish classics are valued.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with reconnecting with childlike curiosity.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Glassy golden-brown pyramidal crystals, often in sparkly drusy crusts on granite-pegmatite or hydrothermal vein matrix.
Not faked; the childrenite-eosphorite series makes exact labels honest guesswork without analysis.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Eosphorite | Eosphorite is the manganese twin, pinker in tone; the two form a series and can be inseparable by eye |
| Siderite | Siderite forms curved rhombs, fizzes in warm acid, and cleaves perfectly |
| Zircon (brown) | Zircon is far harder (7.5) and heavier with square prisms |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about childrenite. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Knife scratches it with effort (Mohs 5) |
| Acid check | No fizz with vinegar |
| Under a loupe | Pyramidal terminations under a loupe |
Anything that scratches, burns or dissolves the piece is a lab job. Get it appraised rather than testing it apart.
Care & handling.
At 5 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with poor cleavage; uneven fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Warm water and a soft cloth clean almost everything. Ultrasonic tanks, steamers and household cleaners are where pieces get ruined.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is FeAl(PO4)(OH)2·H2O. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Specific gravity: 3.18 to 3.25. Streak: White to yellowish. Cleavage and fracture: Poor cleavage; uneven fracture.
How it reaches the market
Cornwall and Devon (England, classic), Minas Gerais (Brazil), Yukon (Canada).
What it gets confused with
Eosphorite: Eosphorite is the manganese twin, pinker in tone; the two form a series and can be inseparable by eye. Siderite: Siderite forms curved rhombs, fizzes in warm acid, and cleaves perfectly. Zircon (brown): Zircon is far harder (7.5) and heavier with square prisms.
What it is worth
Collector mineral; sharp Cornish classics are valued.
Where buyers get caught
Not faked; the childrenite-eosphorite series makes exact labels honest guesswork without analysis.
One more thing
Named for English mineralogist John George Children; most 'childrenite' from Brazil grades toward eosphorite, dealers often label it childrenite-eosphorite to hedge.
An education-first guide.
No product links here. We do not sell childrenite, and a guide that only covers our own shelves would not be much of a guide.
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