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, 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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