Beryllite is a rare beryllium silicate typically found as delicate, needle-like acicular crystals or radiating white sprays. It occurs primarily in alkaline pegmatites and is a prized find for advanced mineral collectors due to its rarity and aesthetic crystal habits.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Beryllite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this beryllite?

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 beryllite with a known reference. Beryllite sits at Mohs 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. Beryllite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Beryllite 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: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays, globular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Aragonite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Beryllite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3.5-4).

Often found alongside beryllite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Be₃SiO₄(OH)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.75 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays, Globular Aggregates
Cleavage: Distinct in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find beryllite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where beryllite typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating sprays, globular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify beryllite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is beryllite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is beryllite 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 beryllite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains beryllium, which is toxic if inhaled or ingested as dust. Handle with care and avoid creating powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like beryllite?+

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

What minerals are found with beryllite?+

Beryllite commonly co-occurs with Eudialyte, Microcline, Aegirine, Nepheline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does beryllite form in?+

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

What is beryllite used for?+

Beryllite is used in collector.

Find beryllite on the map

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