Lehmannite is a distinct yellow variety of beryl that typically exhibits a vibrant, deep golden to honey-yellow coloration. Collectors identify it by its hexagonal prismatic habit and high clarity, frequently found in granitic pegmatite environments alongside quartz and feldspar.

Hardness

7.5-8

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareBeryl family

Lehmannite

Hardness: 7.5-8
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this lehmannite?

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 lehmannite with a known reference. Lehmannite sits at Mohs 7.5-8 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lehmannite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lehmannite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, golden.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside lehmannite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
Mohs hardness: 7.5-8
Density: 2.6-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Golden
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Imperfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Gemstone
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find lehmannite

Classic worldwide localities

Minas Gerais, Brazil
Volodarsk-Volynskyi, Ukraine

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where lehmannite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica 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 lehmannite?+

Mohs hardness is 7.5-8. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, golden.

Where is lehmannite found?+

Notable localities include Minas Gerais, Brazil; Volodarsk-Volynskyi, Ukraine.

How much is lehmannite worth?+

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

What rocks look like lehmannite?+

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

What minerals are found with lehmannite?+

Lehmannite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Mica, Tourmaline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lehmannite form in?+

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

What is lehmannite used for?+

Lehmannite is used in collector, gemstone.

Find lehmannite on the map

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