Dravite is a magnesium-rich member of the tourmaline group, typically identified by its distinct brown hues and elongated, vertically striated crystals. It is commonly found in regionally metamorphosed rocks and is prized by collectors for its sharp, well-formed crystal terminations.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralcommonTourmaline Group family

Dravite

Also: Brown Tourmaline

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

Is this dravite?

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 dravite with a known reference. Dravite 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. Dravite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dravite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, dark brown, yellowish brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections, vertically striated.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside dravite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaMg₃Al₆Si₆O₁₈(BO₃)₃(OH)₃F
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.06 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Dark Brown Yellowish Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals with Rounded Triangular Cross-sections, Vertically Striated
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Lapidary
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks Such as Crystalline Limestones, Schists, And Gneisses
Typical price: $10-100 for small crystals, up to $500 for large gem-quality specimens

Where rockhounds find dravite

Classic worldwide localities

Dravograd, Slovenia
Yinnetharra, Australia
Madagascar
Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Kenya

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks such as crystalline limestones, schists, and gneisses country — that is the host setting where dravite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, kyanite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections, vertically striated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dravite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, dark brown, yellowish brown.

Where is dravite found?+

Notable localities include Dravograd, Slovenia; Yinnetharra, Australia; Madagascar; Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Kenya.

How much is dravite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 for small crystals, up to $500 for large gem-quality specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like dravite?+

Dravite is most often confused with Schorl, Vesuvianite, Axinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with dravite?+

Dravite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Kyanite, Calcite, Muscovite, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dravite form in?+

Dravite typically forms in metamorphic rocks such as crystalline limestones, schists, and gneisses. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dravite used for?+

Dravite is used in collector, lapidary.

Find dravite on the map

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