Magnesiotaaffeite-6N'3S is an exceptionally rare beryllium-magnesium-aluminum oxide mineral that is highly coveted by gemstone collectors. Originally identified as a spinelle in the mid-20th century, it is best distinguished from spinel by its double refraction and hexagonal crystal system. It is most frequently encountered as water-worn pebbles in alluvial gem gravels.
Is this magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s?
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 magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s with a known reference. Magnesiotaaffeite-6N’3S sits at Mohs 8-8.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Magnesiotaaffeite-6N’3S leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Magnesiotaaffeite-6N’3S typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, lavender, mauve, violet, reddish-pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular hexagonal crystals, often showing complex faces.
Often confused with
Magnesiotaaffeite-6N’3S vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₃Al₈BeO₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 8-8.5
- Density
- 3.61 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Hexagonal Crystals, Often Showing Complex Faces
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Gemstone, Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Limestones, Alluvial Deposits
- Typical price
- $500-5000+ per carat depending on quality
Where rockhounds find magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s
Classic worldwide localities
- Sri Lanka
- Myanmar
- China
- Tanzania
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic limestones, alluvial deposits country — that is the host setting where magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s typically forms. If you start seeing spinel, chrysoberyl, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular hexagonal crystals, often showing complex faces habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s?+
Where is magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s found?+
How much is magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s worth?+
What rocks look like magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s?+
What minerals are found with magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s?+
What kind of rock does magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s form in?+
What is magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s used for?+
Find magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s on the map
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