Bearsite is a rare beryllium arsenate mineral typically found as small, colorless to white tabular crystals or radiating aggregates. It is most famously associated with the phosphate-rich pegmatites of Hagendorf, Germany, where it occurs as a secondary mineral in late-stage hydrothermal vugs.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Bearsite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this bearsite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Bearsite leaves white, Paraschoepite leaves yellow.

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Often found alongside bearsite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Be₂(AsO₄)(OH)·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find bearsite

Classic worldwide localities

Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where bearsite typically forms. If you start seeing triphylite, fairfieldite, hureaulite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bearsite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is bearsite found?+

Notable localities include Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany.

How much is bearsite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is bearsite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with caution, wash hands after handling, and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like bearsite?+

Bearsite is most often confused with Vauxite, Paraschoepite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bearsite?+

Bearsite commonly co-occurs with Triphylite, Fairfieldite, Hureaulite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bearsite form in?+

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

What is bearsite used for?+

Bearsite is used in collector.

Find bearsite on the map

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