Darapiosite is a rare member of the milarite group primarily found in the Cerro Pintados region of Chile. It typically occurs as small, transparent to translucent prismatic crystals within hydrothermal veins cutting through rhyolitic rocks. Its scarcity makes it a sought-after addition for specialized mineral collectors focused on rare silicates.
Is this darapiosite?
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 darapiosite with a known reference. Darapiosite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Darapiosite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Darapiosite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pinkish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Darapiosite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside darapiosite
Minerals reported to co-occur with darapiosite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaZnMnMg(Be₂Si₁₂)O₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.88 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Rhyolite
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find darapiosite
Classic worldwide localities
- Cerro Pintados, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in rhyolite country — that is the host setting where darapiosite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, epidote 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 darapiosite on the map
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