Danalite is a rare beryllium silicate that typically forms as reddish-brown to pinkish tetrahedral crystals. It is most frequently found in complex granite pegmatites and contact metamorphic zones, often requiring professional analysis to distinguish it from other members of the helvine group.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareHelvine Group family

Danalite

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this danalite?

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 danalite with a known reference. Danalite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Danalite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Danalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, reddish-brown, yellow, pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: isometric. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside danalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe,Zn,Mn)₄Be₃(SiO₄)₃S
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 3.3-3.4 g/cm³
Colors: Red Reddish-brown Yellow Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Isometric
Crystal habit: Tetrahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites, Contact Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find danalite

Classic worldwide localities

Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA
Iron Mountain, New Mexico, USA
Sweden
Russia
Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites, contact metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where danalite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, fluorite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tetrahedral crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify danalite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include red, reddish-brown, yellow, pink.

Where is danalite found?+

Notable localities include Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA; Iron Mountain, New Mexico, USA; Sweden; Russia; Canada.

How much is danalite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail, $200+ cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like danalite?+

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

What minerals are found with danalite?+

Danalite commonly co-occurs with Magnetite, Fluorite, Quartz, Beryl, Chrysoberyl. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does danalite form in?+

Danalite typically forms in granite pegmatites, contact metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is danalite used for?+

Danalite is used in collector.

Find danalite on the map

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