Bavsiite is a very rare beryllium-bearing silicate mineral found in granitic pegmatites. Collectors typically look for its characteristic radial, fibrous, or acicular spray habit, often occurring as a secondary alteration product of beryl.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBavenite Group family

Bavsiite

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

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Is this bavsiite?

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 bavsiite with a known reference. Bavsiite 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. Bavsiite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bavsiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside bavsiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄Be₃AlSi₉O₂₄(OH)₃
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Acicular or Fibrous Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-100 for small micro-mounts

Where rockhounds find bavsiite

Classic worldwide localities

Baveno, Italy
Pala, California, USA
Little Three Mine, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where bavsiite typically forms. If you start seeing beryl, quartz, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bavsiite?+

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

Where is bavsiite found?+

Notable localities include Baveno, Italy; Pala, California, USA; Little Three Mine, California, USA.

How much is bavsiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 for small micro-mounts. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like bavsiite?+

Bavsiite is most often confused with Bavenite, Bertrandite, Epidote. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bavsiite?+

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

What kind of rock does bavsiite form in?+

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

What is bavsiite used for?+

Bavsiite is used in collector.

Find bavsiite on the map

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