Fluor-dravite is a relatively recently defined member of the tourmaline group, chemically distinct due to fluorine dominance in its anion site. It typically forms elongate, striated trigonal prisms in metamorphic environments and is often visually indistinguishable from standard dravite without chemical analysis. Collectors prize it as a specific end-member species within the complex and diverse tourmaline mineral suite.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTourmaline Group family

Fluor-dravite

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

Is this fluor-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 fluor-dravite with a known reference. Fluor-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. Fluor-dravite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fluor-dravite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellow-brown, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic, elongated striated crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside fluor-dravite

Minerals reported to co-occur with fluor-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: 3.0-3.1 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Yellow-brown Dark Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic, Elongated Striated Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks, Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 per specimen depending on crystal size and clarity

Where rockhounds find fluor-dravite

Classic worldwide localities

Himachal Pradesh, India
Madagascar
Brazil
Sri Lanka

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where fluor-dravite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, elongated striated crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fluor-dravite?+

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

Where is fluor-dravite found?+

Notable localities include Himachal Pradesh, India; Madagascar; Brazil; Sri Lanka.

How much is fluor-dravite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 per specimen depending on crystal size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like fluor-dravite?+

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

What minerals are found with fluor-dravite?+

Fluor-dravite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Mica, Garnet. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does fluor-dravite form in?+

Fluor-dravite typically forms in metamorphic rocks, pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fluor-dravite used for?+

Fluor-dravite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find fluor-dravite on the map

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