Andrémeyerite is an extremely rare barium-iron silicate primarily found in alkaline volcanic environments. Collectors typically identify it by its prismatic crystal habit within igneous cavities, often occurring alongside sanidine in the Eifel region of Germany.
Is this andrémeyerite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch andrémeyerite with a known reference. Andrémeyerite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Andrémeyerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Andrémeyerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Andrémeyerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside andrémeyerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with andrémeyerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba₂Fe²⁺Si₄O₁₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.35 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find andrémeyerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Eifel Mountains, Germany
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where andrémeyerite typically forms. If you start seeing sanidine, nepheline, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find andrémeyerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
