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, so 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, 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.