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 6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 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
- 6.5
- Density
- 2.97 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Trapezohedral crystals, granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In phlogopite veins in a fluorine-rich metamorphosed Devonian limestone intruded by a beryllium-bearing granite
Where rockhounds find hsianghualite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hsianghua Ridge, Linwu Co., Hunan Province, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In phlogopite veins in a fluorine-rich metamorphosed Devonian limestone intruded by a beryllium-bearing granite. If you start seeing fluorite, zinnwaldite, chrysoberyl in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: trapezohedral crystals, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hsianghualite?+
Where is hsianghualite found?+
Is hsianghualite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like hsianghualite?+
What minerals are found with hsianghualite?+
What kind of rock does hsianghualite form in?+
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Find hsianghualite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
