Meliphanite is a rare beryllium silicate mineral that typically forms yellowish, tabular crystals in alkaline igneous environments. It is most frequently encountered by collectors in association with nepheline syenite pegmatites, where it can be distinguished from the very similar leucophanite by its slightly different crystal morphology and optical properties.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Meliphanite

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Is this meliphanite?

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 meliphanite with a known reference. Meliphanite sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, colorless, yellowish red, red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic, tabular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Leucophanite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Meliphanite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5-4).

Often found alongside meliphanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄(Na,Ca)₄Be₄AlSi₇O₂₄(F,O)₄
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 3.01-3.02 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow ColorlessYellowish redRed
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic, tabular
Cleavage: Distinct on {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In augite syenite (Fredriksvärn, Norway)

Where rockhounds find meliphanite

Classic worldwide localities

Iron Mountain No. 2 mine, near Brown City, Sierra Co., New Mexico, USA
Tvedalen, near Larvik, Norway
Sakhariok massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In augite syenite (Fredriksvärn, Norway). If you start seeing natrolite, mica, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify meliphanite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, colorless, yellowish red, red.

Where is meliphanite found?+

Notable localities include Iron Mountain No. 2 mine, near Brown City, Sierra Co., New Mexico, USA; Tvedalen, near Larvik, Norway; Sakhariok massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

Is meliphanite safe to handle?+

Meliphanite contains beryllium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like meliphanite?+

Meliphanite is most often confused with Leucophanite, Datolite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with meliphanite?+

Meliphanite commonly co-occurs with Natrolite, Mica, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does meliphanite form in?+

Where it forms: In augite syenite (Fredriksvärn, Norway). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is meliphanite used for?+

Meliphanite is used in collector.

Find meliphanite on the map

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