Bohseite is a rare beryllium silicate mineral that typically forms as delicate, fibrous, or acicular radiating clusters. It is almost exclusively found in highly evolved pegmatites and is best identified through laboratory analysis due to its visual similarity to other beryllium silicates like bavenite.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBavenite-group family

Bohseite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this bohseite?

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 bohseite with a known reference. Bohseite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bohseite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bohseite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous aggregates, radiating clusters.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Bohseite and pearly on Epididymite.

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Often found alongside bohseite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄Be₃Si₉O₂₄(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Fibrous Aggregates, Radiating Clusters
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find bohseite

Classic worldwide localities

Bohse, Norway
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites country — that is the host setting where bohseite typically forms. If you start seeing beryl, quartz, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous aggregates, radiating clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bohseite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellowish.

Where is bohseite found?+

Notable localities include Bohse, Norway; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is bohseite 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 bohseite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains beryllium, which is toxic if inhaled or ingested; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling mineral specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like bohseite?+

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

What minerals are found with bohseite?+

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

What kind of rock does bohseite form in?+

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

What is bohseite used for?+

Bohseite is used in collector.

Find bohseite on the map

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