Behoite is a rare beryllium hydroxide mineral typically found as small, bladed crystals in complex granite pegmatites. It is often discovered as an alteration product of beryl or bertrandite in hydrothermal environments, requiring microscopic analysis for positive identification.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Behoite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this behoite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Behoite and pearly on Brucite.

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Often found alongside behoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Be(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Bladed Orthorhombic Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find behoite

Classic worldwide localities

Spruce Pine, North Carolina, USA
Beryllium locality, Mt. Antero, Colorado, USA
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where behoite typically forms. If you start seeing beryl, bertrandite, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed orthorhombic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify behoite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is behoite found?+

Notable localities include Spruce Pine, North Carolina, USA; Beryllium locality, Mt. Antero, Colorado, USA; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is behoite worth?+

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

Is behoite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains beryllium, which is toxic if inhaled or ingested as dust; avoid grinding or polishing without proper safety equipment. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like behoite?+

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

What minerals are found with behoite?+

Behoite commonly co-occurs with Beryl, Bertrandite, Fluorite, Muscovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does behoite form in?+

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

What is behoite used for?+

Behoite is used in collector.

Find behoite on the map

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