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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light olive green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, platy.
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
- Mg₂BeAl₆O₁₂
- Mohs hardness
- 8-8.5
- Density
- 3.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Light olive green
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, platy
- Cleavage
- Perfect, {0001}, or a parting; another, {1011}, less perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Gemstone, Collector
- Host rock
- In a nodule, perhaps formerly a corundum crystal, in high-grade metapyroxenite, associated with metaperidotites and granulites (Musgrave Ranges, Australia); in pegmatite cutting granulite (Enderby Land, Antarctica)
Where rockhounds find magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s
Classic worldwide localities
- Casey Bay, Enderby Land, Antarctica
- Found at Dove Bugt, northeast Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a nodule, perhaps formerly a corundum crystal, in high-grade metapyroxenite, associated with metaperidotites and granulites (Musgrave Ranges, Australia); in pegmatite cutting granulite (Enderby Land, Antarctica). If you start seeing spinel, sapphirine, phlogopite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, platy. 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?+
Is magnesiotaaffeite-6n’3s safe to handle?+
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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