Pezzottaite is a rare cesium-bearing silicate mineral that is structurally related to beryl but distinct in its trigonal symmetry. It is highly prized by collectors for its vivid raspberry-pink color and is primarily found in complex granitic pegmatites.
Is this pezzottaite-(cs)?
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 pezzottaite-(cs) with a known reference. Pezzottaite-(Cs) sits at Mohs 8 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pezzottaite-(Cs) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pezzottaite-(Cs) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, raspberry red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Pezzottaite-(Cs) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pezzottaite-(cs)
Minerals reported to co-occur with pezzottaite-(cs). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cs(Be₂Li)Al₂Si₆O₁₈
- Mohs hardness
- 8
- Density
- 3.10 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Imperfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Gemstone, Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 per carat for facet-grade material
Where rockhounds find pezzottaite-(cs)
Classic worldwide localities
- Ambatovita, Madagascar
- Afghanistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where pezzottaite-(cs) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, tourmaline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pezzottaite-(cs)?+
Where is pezzottaite-(cs) found?+
How much is pezzottaite-(cs) worth?+
What rocks look like pezzottaite-(cs)?+
What minerals are found with pezzottaite-(cs)?+
What kind of rock does pezzottaite-(cs) form in?+
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Find pezzottaite-(cs) on the map
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