Hsianghualite is a rare beryllium-bearing mineral in the garnet group discovered in the Hunan province of China. It typically occurs as small, sharp trapezohedral crystals embedded in a matrix of fluorite and other contact-metamorphic minerals. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and strictly localized occurrence.
Is this hsianghualite?
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 hsianghualite with a known reference. Hsianghualite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hsianghualite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hsianghualite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pinkish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: trapezohedral crystals, granular.
Often confused with
Hsianghualite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hsianghualite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hsianghualite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Li₂Ca₃(BeSiO₄)₃F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.10 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Trapezohedral Crystals, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metasomatic Contact Zones in Limestone
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find hsianghualite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hsianghualing, Hunan, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in metasomatic contact zones in limestone country, the host setting where hsianghualite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, tourmaline, lithian mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a trapezohedral crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hsianghualite on the map
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