Hambergite is a beryllium borate mineral typically found as elongated, prismatic or bladed crystals in complex granite pegmatites. It is sought after by collectors for its high hardness and brilliant luster, though it is often brittle due to perfect cleavage. Fine transparent specimens are highly valued by gem enthusiasts.
Is this hambergite?
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 hambergite with a known reference. Hambergite sits at Mohs 7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hambergite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hambergite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Hambergite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hambergite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hambergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Be₂BO₃(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5
- Density
- 2.35-2.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Gemstone
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-100 per gram for rough; $50-300 per carat for faceted gems
Where rockhounds find hambergite
Classic worldwide localities
- Madagascar
- Pakistan
- Myanmar
- California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where hambergite typically forms. If you start seeing tourmaline, beryl, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hambergite on the map
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