Clinobehoite is a rare beryllium hydroxide mineral primarily found in alkaline igneous environments. It typically forms as small, tabular, colorless to white crystals or delicate radiating clusters that require magnification for detailed study.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Clinobehoite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this clinobehoite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Bromellite is the harder of the two (Mohs 9 vs. 3-4).

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Often found alongside clinobehoite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Be(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.16 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find clinobehoite

Classic worldwide localities

Langesundsfjord, Norway
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where clinobehoite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify clinobehoite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is clinobehoite found?+

Notable localities include Langesundsfjord, Norway; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is clinobehoite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is clinobehoite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains beryllium, which is highly toxic if inhaled as dust or ingested. Handle specimens with care, avoid creating dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like clinobehoite?+

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

What minerals are found with clinobehoite?+

Clinobehoite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Analcime, Leucophanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does clinobehoite form in?+

Clinobehoite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is clinobehoite used for?+

Clinobehoite is used in collector.

Find clinobehoite on the map

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