Byströmite is a rare magnesium antimonate mineral that typically forms as small, prismatic, transparent yellow crystals. It is most commonly found in association with antimony ore bodies and is a prized target for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this byströmite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch byströmite with a known reference. Byströmite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Byströmite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Byströmite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-orange, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Byströmite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside byströmite
Minerals reported to co-occur with byströmite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MgSb₂O₆
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 7.17 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Antimony Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find byströmite
Classic worldwide localities
- Munroe mine, Ontario, Canada
- Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in antimony deposits country — that is the host setting where byströmite typically forms. If you start seeing antimony, stibnite, quartz 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
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Find byströmite on the map
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