Branchite is a rare, fossil resin-like organic mineral found in pegmatite pockets. It typically appears as waxy, yellowish-white massive blobs or crusts and is predominantly associated with the famous pegmatite localities in Branchville, Connecticut.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Branchite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this branchite?

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 branchite with a known reference. Branchite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Branchite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Branchite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, rounded masses, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Ozokerite

Mohs 1

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Branchite leaves white, Ozokerite leaves white to yellowish; luster reads resinous on Branchite and greasy on Ozokerite.

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Often found alongside branchite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: C₂₅H₄₈
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 1.0-1.1 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, Rounded Masses, Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-100 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find branchite

Classic worldwide localities

Branchville, Connecticut, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where branchite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, quartz, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, rounded masses, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify branchite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellowish.

Where is branchite found?+

Notable localities include Branchville, Connecticut, USA.

How much is branchite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like branchite?+

Branchite is most often confused with Ozokerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with branchite?+

Branchite commonly co-occurs with albite, quartz, muscovite, spodumene. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does branchite form in?+

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

What is branchite used for?+

Branchite is used in collector.

Find branchite on the map

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