Béhierite is a rare tantalum borate mineral primarily found in complex granitic pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, transparent to translucent prismatic crystals that are often mistaken for zircon or other similar pegmatite minerals due to their crystal shape and hardness.

Hardness

7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Béhierite

Hardness: 7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this béhierite?

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 béhierite with a known reference. Béhierite sits at Mohs 7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Béhierite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Béhierite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale pink, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Zircon

Mohs 7.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Béhierite and adamantine on Zircon.

Compare →

Often found alongside béhierite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ta,Nb)BO₄
Mohs hardness: 7.5
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Pink Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Mineralogical Research
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find béhierite

Classic worldwide localities

Manjaka pegmatite, Madagascar
Sahatany pegmatite field, Madagascar

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where béhierite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, muscovite 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

How do you identify béhierite?+

Mohs hardness is 7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale pink, pale yellow.

Where is béhierite found?+

Notable localities include Manjaka pegmatite, Madagascar; Sahatany pegmatite field, Madagascar.

How much is béhierite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like béhierite?+

Béhierite is most often confused with Zircon. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with béhierite?+

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

What kind of rock does béhierite form in?+

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

What is béhierite used for?+

Béhierite is used in collector, mineralogical research.

Find béhierite on the map

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