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

No image

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 — that is 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.