Bellbergite is an exceptionally rare member of the osumilite group found as tiny prismatic crystals in volcanic rocks. It is primarily known for its type locality at the Bellberg volcano in the Eifel region of Germany. Collectors typically seek it out as a micro-mineral within the vugs of alkaline volcanic ejecta.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareOsumilite Group family

Bellbergite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this bellbergite?

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 bellbergite with a known reference. Bellbergite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bellbergite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bellbergite 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: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside bellbergite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (K,Ba,Sr)₂(Ca,Na)₆(Mg,Fe)₃(Si,Al)₁₈O₄₅·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Ejecta
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find bellbergite

Classic worldwide localities

Bellberg volcano, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic ejecta country — that is the host setting where bellbergite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, clinopyroxene, hauyne 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 bellbergite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is bellbergite found?+

Notable localities include Bellberg volcano, Germany.

How much is bellbergite 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.

What rocks look like bellbergite?+

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

What minerals are found with bellbergite?+

Bellbergite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Clinopyroxene, Hauyne. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bellbergite form in?+

Bellbergite typically forms in volcanic ejecta. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bellbergite used for?+

Bellbergite is used in collector.

Find bellbergite on the map

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