Ellenbergerite is an extremely rare silicate mineral found in ultra-high-pressure metamorphic rocks. It typically occurs as small, pale pink or colorless prismatic crystals, primarily recognized from its type locality in the Dora-Maira massif of Italy.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Ellenbergerite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this ellenbergerite?

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 ellenbergerite with a known reference. Ellenbergerite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ellenbergerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ellenbergerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, pale pink, lilac.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: hexagonal prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ellenbergerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mg,Ti,Zr)₂Mg₁₂Si₄O₁₅(OH,O)₁₄
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.17 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pale Pink Lilac
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Hexagonal Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultra-high-pressure Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find ellenbergerite

Classic worldwide localities

Dora-Maira massif, Italy
Western Alps

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultra-high-pressure metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where ellenbergerite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrope, coesite, talc in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ellenbergerite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, pale pink, lilac.

Where is ellenbergerite found?+

Notable localities include Dora-Maira massif, Italy; Western Alps.

How much is ellenbergerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ellenbergerite?+

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

What minerals are found with ellenbergerite?+

Ellenbergerite commonly co-occurs with Pyrope, Coesite, Talc, Kyanite, Rutile. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ellenbergerite form in?+

Ellenbergerite typically forms in ultra-high-pressure metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ellenbergerite used for?+

Ellenbergerite is used in collector.

Find ellenbergerite on the map

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