Herderite is a rare beryllium phosphate mineral typically found in granitic pegmatites. Collectors prize its well-formed, often tabular or prismatic crystals, which can display exceptional clarity and color when faceted.
Is this herderite?
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 herderite with a known reference. Herderite sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Herderite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Herderite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, green, violet, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: short prismatic crystals, often twinned or etched.
Often confused with
Herderite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside herderite
Minerals reported to co-occur with herderite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaBe(PO₄)(F,OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 2.95-3.05 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Short Prismatic Crystals, Often Twinned or Etched
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Fluorescence
- Sometimes Yellow to Green Under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Gemstone
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-100 per gram for gem-quality specimens
Where rockhounds find herderite
Classic worldwide localities
- Brazil
- Pakistan
- USA (Maine)
- Germany
- Afghanistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where herderite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, tourmaline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a short prismatic crystals, often twinned or etched habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find herderite on the map
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