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.
Is this meliphanite?
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 meliphanite with a known reference. Meliphanite sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Meliphanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Meliphanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-white, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, lamellar, massive.
Often confused with
Meliphanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- (Ca,Na)₄(Be,Al)Si₂O₆(F,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 2.98-3.04 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Lamellar, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Syenite Pegmatites, Nepheline Syenite
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find meliphanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Langesundsfjord, Norway
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in syenite pegmatites, nepheline syenite country — that is the host setting where meliphanite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, lamellar, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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How much is meliphanite worth?+
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Find meliphanite on the map
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