Olenite is a rare aluminum-rich member of the tourmaline group, typically found in evolved pegmatites. It is often identified by its characteristic pink to colorless hues and occurs as elongated prismatic crystals, frequently requiring chemical analysis to distinguish from other tourmaline species.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareTourmaline Group family

Olenite

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this olenite?

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 olenite with a known reference. Olenite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Olenite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Olenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with striations.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside olenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Al₃)Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(O)₃(OH)
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.02-3.05 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals with Striations
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find olenite

Classic worldwide localities

Oleny Ridge, Kola Peninsula, Russia
San Piero in Campo, Elba, Italy
Paprok, Afghanistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where olenite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with striations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify olenite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, colorless, white.

Where is olenite found?+

Notable localities include Oleny Ridge, Kola Peninsula, Russia; San Piero in Campo, Elba, Italy; Paprok, Afghanistan.

How much is olenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like olenite?+

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

What minerals are found with olenite?+

Olenite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Albite, Microcline, Lepidolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does olenite form in?+

Olenite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is olenite used for?+

Olenite is used in collector.

Find olenite on the map

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