Indicolite is the blue variety of the complex elbaite tourmaline species, prized for its deep, saturated indigo or teal hues. Collectors should look for vertically striated, prismatic crystals and note its strong pleochroism, which can make the stone appear darker from certain angles.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

gemstoneuncommonTourmaline Group family

Indicolite

Also: Blue Tourmaline

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

Is this indicolite?

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 indicolite with a known reference. Indicolite 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. Indicolite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Indicolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, indigo, blue-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with vertical striations.

Often confused with

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

gemstone

Sapphire

Mohs 9

How to tell apart: Sapphire is the harder of the two (Mohs 9 vs. 7-7.5); streak differs — Indicolite leaves white, Sapphire leaves none.

Often found alongside indicolite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Li,Al,Fe)₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH,F)₄
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.0-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Indigo Blue-green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals with Vertical Striations
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Gemstone, Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 per carat for high-quality gemstones

Where rockhounds find indicolite

Classic worldwide localities

Brazil
Afghanistan
Nigeria
Madagascar
USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where indicolite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, lepidolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with vertical striations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify indicolite?+

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

Where is indicolite found?+

Notable localities include Brazil; Afghanistan; Nigeria; Madagascar; USA.

How much is indicolite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 per carat for high-quality gemstones. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like indicolite?+

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

What minerals are found with indicolite?+

Indicolite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Albite, Lepidolite, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does indicolite form in?+

Indicolite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is indicolite used for?+

Indicolite is used in gemstone, collector.

Find indicolite on the map

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