Laurentthomasite is a rare beryllium-bearing silicate discovered in the pegmatites of Madagascar. It typically forms attractive blue to blue-green prismatic crystals that are highly sought after by mineral collectors due to their extreme scarcity.
Is this laurentthomasite?
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 laurentthomasite with a known reference. Laurentthomasite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Laurentthomasite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Laurentthomasite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, blue-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Laurentthomasite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside laurentthomasite
Minerals reported to co-occur with laurentthomasite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₂K(Be₂Al)Si₁₂O₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.65 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find laurentthomasite
Classic worldwide localities
- Madagascar
- Itrongay
Field-hunting tip
Look in pegmatites country — that is the host setting where laurentthomasite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, phlogopite 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
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Find laurentthomasite on the map
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