Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S is an extremely rare beryllium mineral member of the taaffeite group, often found in alluvial deposits or metamorphosed limestone. It is highly prized by collectors for its exceptional hardness and rarity, typically occurring as small, water-worn crystals or rare faceted gems.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareTaaffeite Group family

Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S

Hardness: 8
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s?

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 ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s with a known reference. Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S sits at Mohs 8 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, purple, colorless, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Corundum is the harder of the two (Mohs 9 vs. 8).

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Often found alongside ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s

Minerals reported to co-occur with ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: BeMg₂Al₆O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 8
Density: 3.61 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Purple Colorless Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Gemstone
Host rock: Metasomatized Carbonate Rocks
Typical price: $500-5000+ per gram depending on quality

Where rockhounds find ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s

Classic worldwide localities

Sri Lanka
Myanmar
Tanzania
China

Field-hunting tip

Look in metasomatized carbonate rocks country — that is the host setting where ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s typically forms. If you start seeing spinel, chrysoberyl, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s?+

Mohs hardness is 8. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, purple, colorless, reddish-brown.

Where is ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s found?+

Notable localities include Sri Lanka; Myanmar; Tanzania; China.

How much is ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $500-5000+ per gram depending on quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s?+

Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S is most often confused with Spinel, Chrysoberyl, Corundum. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s?+

Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S commonly co-occurs with Spinel, Chrysoberyl, Fluorite, Tourmaline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s form in?+

Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S typically forms in metasomatized carbonate rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s used for?+

Ferrotaaffeite-6N'3S is used in collector, gemstone.

Find ferrotaaffeite-6n'3s on the map

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