Binghamite is a highly sought-after variety of quartz pseudomorphically replaced after goethite and hematite, found exclusively in the Cuyuna Iron Range of Minnesota. It is prized by lapidary collectors for its distinct chatoyancy and vivid, multi-colored internal banding patterns. When polished, it exhibits metallic-like flashes similar to pietersite but with a uniquely complex, often webbed or floral appearance.
Is this binghamite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch binghamite with a known reference. Binghamite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Binghamite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Binghamite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, brown, gold, yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Binghamite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Binghamite and silky on Tiger's Eye.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Binghamite and silky on Pietersite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Binghamite and waxy on Agate.
Often found alongside binghamite
Minerals reported to co-occur with binghamite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SiO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Lapidary, Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Iron Formations
- Typical price
- $20-200 per slab or polished specimen
Where rockhounds find binghamite
2 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Cuyuna Range, Minnesota, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic iron formations country — that is the host setting where binghamite typically forms. If you start seeing goethite, hematite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Minnesota — start trip planning there.
Common questions
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Find binghamite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
