Granitic pegmatite is an igneous rock characterized by extremely large, coarse crystals, often several centimeters or even meters in size. Collectors value these formations because they act as pockets for rare and gem-quality minerals such as tourmaline, beryl, and lepidolite.
Is this granitic pegmatite?
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 granitic pegmatite with a known reference. Granitic Pegmatite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Granitic Pegmatite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Granitic Pegmatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, pink, gray, tan.
- 5Look at form & habitTypical habit: coarse-grained.
Often found alongside granitic pegmatite
Minerals reported to co-occur with granitic pegmatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal habit
- Coarse-grained
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Source of Rare Minerals
- Host rock
- Igneous Plutons
- Typical price
- variable depending on mineral content
Where rockhounds find granitic pegmatite
Classic worldwide localities
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Maine, USA
- Madagascar
- Pakistan
- Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in igneous plutons country — that is the host setting where granitic pegmatite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a coarse-grained habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify granitic pegmatite?+
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Find granitic pegmatite on the map
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