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

No image

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, 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.