Indialite is the high-temperature polymorph of cordierite, structurally analogous to beryl. It is typically found in paralavas and buchites formed by the extreme heating of sediments by igneous intrusions, appearing as small blue to colorless hexagonal crystals.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareBeryl Group family

Indialite

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this indialite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch indialite with a known reference. Indialite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Indialite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Indialite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Indialite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside indialite

Minerals reported to co-occur with indialite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₂Al₄Si₅O₁₈
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 2.58-2.60 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Poor On {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: High-temperature Contact Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find indialite

Classic worldwide localities

Bhavani, India
Bokaro, India
Hatton Headland, Canada
Laacher See, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in high-temperature contact metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where indialite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, sillimanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify indialite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, colorless.

Where is indialite found?+

Notable localities include Bhavani, India; Bokaro, India; Hatton Headland, Canada; Laacher See, Germany.

How much is indialite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like indialite?+

Indialite is most often confused with Cordierite, Beryl. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with indialite?+

Indialite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Sillimanite, Mullite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does indialite form in?+

Indialite typically forms in high-temperature contact metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is indialite used for?+

Indialite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find indialite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.