Darrellhenryite is an extremely rare member of the tourmaline group, chemically distinct as a lithium-aluminum rich species. It typically occurs as small, pale pink prismatic crystals within highly fractionated granitic pegmatites. Collectors primarily find it as a microscopic or thumbnail-sized rarity alongside other lepidolite-bearing pegmatite assemblages.
Is this darrellhenryite?
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 darrellhenryite with a known reference. Darrellhenryite sits at Mohs ~7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pinkish white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Darrellhenryite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside darrellhenryite
Minerals reported to co-occur with darrellhenryite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaLiAl₂Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₃O
- Mohs hardness
- ~7
- Density
- 3.03 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pinkish white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent to transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the central part of a zoned complex, Li-bearing, petalite-type pegmatite dike
Where rockhounds find darrellhenryite
Classic worldwide localities
- Nová Ves, near Český Krumlov, southern Bohemia, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the central part of a zoned complex, Li-bearing, petalite-type pegmatite dike. If you start seeing lepidolite, li-bearing tourmalines, amblygonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify darrellhenryite?+
Where is darrellhenryite found?+
What rocks look like darrellhenryite?+
What minerals are found with darrellhenryite?+
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What is darrellhenryite used for?+
Find darrellhenryite on the map
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