Oxy-dravite is a rare member of the tourmaline group, characterized by its specific oxygen-rich crystal structure. It typically appears as elongated, striated prismatic crystals and is often indistinguishable from common dravite without advanced chemical analysis like electron microprobe testing.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTourmaline Group family

Oxy-dravite

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this oxy-dravite?

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 oxy-dravite with a known reference. Oxy-dravite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oxy-dravite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Oxy-dravite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, reddish-brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic, striated, columnar.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside oxy-dravite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(Al₂Mg)(Al₅Mg)(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃O
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 3.0-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Reddish-brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic, Striated, Columnar
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Pegmatites, Metamorphic Schists
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find oxy-dravite

Classic worldwide localities

San Jacinto Mountains, California, USA
Alto Ligonha, Mozambique
Dolni Bory, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites, metamorphic schists country — that is the host setting where oxy-dravite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, striated, columnar habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify oxy-dravite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include dark brown, reddish-brown, black.

Where is oxy-dravite found?+

Notable localities include San Jacinto Mountains, California, USA; Alto Ligonha, Mozambique; Dolni Bory, Czech Republic.

How much is oxy-dravite 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 oxy-dravite?+

Oxy-dravite is most often confused with Dravite, Schorl. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with oxy-dravite?+

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

What kind of rock does oxy-dravite form in?+

Oxy-dravite typically forms in pegmatites, metamorphic schists. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is oxy-dravite used for?+

Oxy-dravite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find oxy-dravite on the map

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