The three mineral's properties are similar and most mineral guides, if they have whiteite at all, will refer to all of them simply as whiteite, as is done here. All are relatively rare phosphate minerals that form from hydrothermal precipitation and hydrothermal alteration of phosphate rich pegmatites. Color is brown, tan, yellow, greenish-yellow, pink to lavender. Luster is vitreous. Crystals are transparent to translucent.
Cleavage is perfect in one direction.
Fracture is uneven. Streak is white. Associated Minerals include kulanite , lazulite and siderite among others. Notable Occurrences include Rapid Creek, Yukon Territory, Canada and Custer, South Dakota. Best Field Indicators are color, locality and crystal habit.