Danburite is a calcium borosilicate mineral typically found as transparent to translucent prismatic crystals that often resemble topaz or quartz. Collectors prize it for its high clarity and excellent dispersion, especially in specimens from Mexico which can display distinct chisel-like terminations.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineraluncommon

Danburite

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this danburite?

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 danburite with a known reference. Danburite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Danburite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Danburite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, pale pink, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside danburite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaB₂(SiO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 2.97-3.03 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellow Pale Pink Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Indistinct
Fluorescence: Blue or Reddish-orange Under UV
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Gemstone
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites and Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $10-50 per gram for gem quality, $20-200 for aesthetic crystal clusters

Where rockhounds find danburite

Classic worldwide localities

San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Charo River, Russia
Obira, Japan
Mogok, Myanmar
Virgem da Lapa, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites and metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where danburite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, albite, tourmaline 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 danburite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellow, pale pink.

Where is danburite found?+

Notable localities include San Luis Potosí, Mexico; Charo River, Russia; Obira, Japan; Mogok, Myanmar; Virgem da Lapa, Brazil.

How much is danburite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-50 per gram for gem quality, $20-200 for aesthetic crystal clusters. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like danburite?+

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

What minerals are found with danburite?+

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

What kind of rock does danburite form in?+

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

What is danburite used for?+

Danburite is used in collector, gemstone.

Find danburite on the map

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