Barylite is a rare barium beryllium silicate known for its strong blue fluorescence under short-wave ultraviolet light. It is most frequently found in metamorphic skarns or alkaline intrusive complexes as tabular crystals or in massive form.

Hardness

6.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Barylite

Hardness: 6.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this barylite?

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 barylite with a known reference. Barylite sits at Mohs 6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Barylite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Barylite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Phenakite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5-8 vs. 6.5).

How to tell apart: Beryl is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5-8 vs. 6.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside barylite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaBe₂Si₂O₇
Mohs hardness: 6.5
Density: 4.05-4.08 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellowish Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Distinct On {100}
Fluorescence: Strong Blue Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Mineralogical Specimen
Host rock: Metamorphic Skarns and Alkaline Igneous Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find barylite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Franklin, New Jersey, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic skarns and alkaline igneous pegmatites country, the host setting where barylite typically forms. If you start seeing willemite, hardystonite, franklinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify barylite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellowish, blue.

Where is barylite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Franklin, New Jersey, USA.

How much is barylite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is barylite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains beryllium, which is toxic if inhaled as dust or ingested. Handle specimens with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like barylite?+

Barylite is most often confused with Danburite, Phenakite, Beryl. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with barylite?+

Barylite commonly co-occurs with Willemite, Hardystonite, Franklinite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does barylite form in?+

Barylite typically forms in metamorphic skarns and alkaline igneous pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is barylite used for?+

Barylite is used in collector, mineralogical specimen.

Find barylite on the map

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