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 — that is 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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