Brandãoite is a very rare hydrated beryllium aluminum phosphate mineral typically found in phosphate-rich pegmatites. It forms as delicate, transparent to translucent green to blue-green prismatic crystals. Due to its extreme rarity, it is highly sought after by advanced micromount collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Brandãoite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this brandãoite?

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 brandãoite with a known reference. Brandãoite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Brandãoite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Brandãoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, blue-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside brandãoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BeAlPO₄(OH)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.75 g/cm³
Colors: Green Blue-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find brandãoite

Classic worldwide localities

Palermo No. 1 mine, New Hampshire, USA
Linópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country, the host setting where brandãoite typically forms. If you start seeing eosphorite, wardite, childrenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify brandãoite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, blue-green.

Where is brandãoite found?+

Notable localities include Palermo No. 1 mine, New Hampshire, USA; Linópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

How much is brandãoite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like brandãoite?+

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

What minerals are found with brandãoite?+

Brandãoite commonly co-occurs with Eosphorite, Wardite, Childrenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does brandãoite form in?+

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

What is brandãoite used for?+

Brandãoite is used in collector.

Find brandãoite on the map

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