Brazilianite is a prized phosphate mineral known for its vibrant yellow to yellow-green color and excellent transparency. It is primarily found in granite pegmatites and is often sought after by gem collectors due to its clarity and attractive crystal habit.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommon

Brazilianite

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

Is this brazilianite?

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 brazilianite with a known reference. Brazilianite 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. Brazilianite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Brazilianite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals often with complex faces.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Topaz is the harder of the two (Mohs 8 vs. 5.5).

Often found alongside brazilianite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaAl₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 2.98 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellow-green Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals Often with Complex Faces
Cleavage: Good in One Direction
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Gemstone, Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-200 per gram for gem quality

Where rockhounds find brazilianite

Classic worldwide localities

Minas Gerais, Brazil
Yukon Territory, Canada
New Hampshire, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where brazilianite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, muscovite, beryl in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals often with complex faces habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify brazilianite?+

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

Where is brazilianite found?+

Notable localities include Minas Gerais, Brazil; Yukon Territory, Canada; New Hampshire, USA.

How much is brazilianite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 per gram for gem quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like brazilianite?+

Brazilianite is most often confused with Apatite, Topaz, Amblygonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with brazilianite?+

Brazilianite commonly co-occurs with Albite, Muscovite, Beryl, Quartz, Tourmaline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does brazilianite form in?+

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

What is brazilianite used for?+

Brazilianite is used in gemstone, collector.

Find brazilianite on the map

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