Milarite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral known for its complex hexagonal crystal structures that closely resemble beryl. Collectors typically look for it in alpine fissures or vuggy cavities within igneous rocks, where it forms distinct, glassy, transparent prisms. Because it is highly sought after by mineral enthusiasts, fine crystal specimens are considered significant cabinet pieces.
Is this milarite?
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 milarite with a known reference. Milarite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Milarite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Milarite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish, greenish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, hexagonal prisms.
Often confused with
Milarite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside milarite
Minerals reported to co-occur with milarite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KCa₂Be₂AlSi₁₂O₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 2.53-2.60 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Hexagonal Prisms
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alpine-type Hydrothermal Veins, Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal clarity and size
Where rockhounds find milarite
Classic worldwide localities
- Val Giuv, Switzerland
- Mount St. Hilaire, Canada
- Namibia
- Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in alpine-type hydrothermal veins, granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where milarite typically forms. If you start seeing adularia, fluorite, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, hexagonal prisms habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify milarite?+
Where is milarite found?+
How much is milarite worth?+
What rocks look like milarite?+
What minerals are found with milarite?+
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Find milarite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
