Hyalotekite is a rare lead-rich sorosilicate mineral primarily known for its distinct and intense fluorescence under short-wave UV light. It is typically found in metamorphosed manganese deposits, appearing as massive, vitreous material that is often indistinguishable from associated gangue minerals without UV testing.
Is this hyalotekite?
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 hyalotekite with a known reference. Hyalotekite 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. Hyalotekite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hyalotekite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive to granular, rarely as small pseudo-hexagonal crystals.
Often confused with
Hyalotekite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hyalotekite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hyalotekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Pb,Ba,K)₄(Ca,Y)₂Si₂B₂O₁₂F
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive to Granular, Rarely as Small Pseudo-hexagonal Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Fluorescence
- Bright White or Yellow Under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and fluorescence quality
Where rockhounds find hyalotekite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
- Franklin, New Jersey, USA
- Jakobsberg, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where hyalotekite typically forms. If you start seeing lead-bearing minerals, manganese oxides, baryte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive to granular, rarely as small pseudo-hexagonal crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hyalotekite?+
Where is hyalotekite found?+
How much is hyalotekite worth?+
Is hyalotekite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like hyalotekite?+
What minerals are found with hyalotekite?+
What kind of rock does hyalotekite form in?+
What is hyalotekite used for?+
Find hyalotekite on the map
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