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 — that is 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.