Jervisite is a rare scandium-rich clinopyroxene that is highly sought after by mineral collectors for its scarcity. It typically occurs as small, pale green, transparent prismatic crystals within granite pegmatites and alkaline intrusive complexes. Identification often requires laboratory analysis due to its visual similarity to other pyroxene group members.

Hardness
6
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Transparent

Is this jervisite?

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 jervisite with a known reference. Jervisite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Jervisite leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Jervisite typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: green, yellowish-green.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside jervisite

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

All properties

Chemical formula
(Na,Ca,Fe²⁺)(Sc,Mg,Fe²⁺)Si₂O₆
Mohs hardness
6
Density
3.48 g/cm³
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Monoclinic
Crystal habit
Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage
Good On {110}
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock
Granite Pegmatites
Typical price
$100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find jervisite

Classic worldwide localities

  • Baveno, Italy
  • Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify jervisite?+
Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, yellowish-green.
Where is jervisite found?+
Notable localities include Baveno, Italy; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.
How much is jervisite worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What rocks look like jervisite?+
Jervisite is most often confused with Aegirine, Diopside, Augite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with jervisite?+
Jervisite commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Albite, Quartz, Beryl. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does jervisite form in?+
Jervisite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is jervisite used for?+
Jervisite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find jervisite on the map

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