Amblygonite is a phosphate mineral commonly found in lithium-rich pegmatites. It is often confused with other minerals like spodumene due to similar habits, but it is typically identified by its perfect cleavage and specific density.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommonAmblygonite Group family

Amblygonite

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this amblygonite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch amblygonite with a known reference. Amblygonite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Amblygonite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Amblygonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellow, pale blue, greenish, beige.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or rarely as short prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Amblygonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside amblygonite

Minerals reported to co-occur with amblygonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Li,Na)AlPO₄(F,OH)
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 3.0-3.1 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellow Pale Blue Greenish Beige
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular, Or Rarely as Short Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal, Good Prismatic
Fluorescence: Often Fluorescent White or Yellow Under SW UV
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Gemstone, Lithium Ore
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $10-50 per gram for gem rough, $20-200 for mineral specimens

Where rockhounds find amblygonite

Classic worldwide localities

Brazil
USA (California, Maine)
Namibia
France
Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where amblygonite typically forms. If you start seeing spodumene, lepidolite, tourmaline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or rarely as short prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify amblygonite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellow, pale blue.

Where is amblygonite found?+

Notable localities include Brazil; USA (California, Maine); Namibia; France; Germany.

How much is amblygonite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-50 per gram for gem rough, $20-200 for mineral specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like amblygonite?+

Amblygonite is most often confused with Scapolite, Spodumene, Albite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with amblygonite?+

Amblygonite commonly co-occurs with Spodumene, Lepidolite, Tourmaline, Quartz, Beryl. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does amblygonite form in?+

Amblygonite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is amblygonite used for?+

Amblygonite is used in collector, gemstone, lithium ore.

Find amblygonite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.