Pegmatite is an igneous rock characterized by exceptionally large, interlocking crystals, often exceeding several centimeters in length. It forms during the final cooling stages of magma, allowing rare elements to concentrate and grow into large, gem-quality minerals like beryl, spodumene, and tourmaline.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

igneouscommon

Pegmatite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this pegmatite?

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 pegmatite with a known reference. Pegmatite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pegmatite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pegmatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, pink, tan.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside pegmatite

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

All properties

Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Pink Tan
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Lapidary, Industrial
Host rock: Igneous Intrusions
Typical price: $5-50 for hand specimens

Where rockhounds find pegmatite

1 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Minas Gerais, Brazil
South Dakota, USA
Madagascar
Norway
Pakistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in igneous intrusions country — that is the host setting where pegmatite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Connecticut — start trip planning there.

Browse 1 U.S. spots for pegmatite →

Common questions

How do you identify pegmatite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, pink, tan.

Where is pegmatite found?+

Notable localities include Minas Gerais, Brazil; South Dakota, USA; Madagascar; Norway; Pakistan.

Can I find pegmatite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 1 pegmatite rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states — the top states are Connecticut.

How much is pegmatite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 for hand specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like pegmatite?+

Pegmatite is most often confused with Granite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with pegmatite?+

Pegmatite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Mica, Tourmaline, Beryl. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pegmatite form in?+

Pegmatite typically forms in igneous intrusions. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pegmatite used for?+

Pegmatite is used in collector, lapidary, industrial.

Find pegmatite on the map

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