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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareBeryl Group family

Pezzottaite-(Cs)

Also: Raspberry Beryl

Hardness: 8
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this pezzottaite-(cs)?

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 pezzottaite-(cs) with a known reference. Pezzottaite-(Cs) sits at Mohs 8, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, raspberry red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

How to tell apart: Pezzottaite-(Cs) is noticeably harder (Mohs 8 vs. 6.5-7).

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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: PinkRaspberry red
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

Where rockhounds find pezzottaite-(cs)

Classic worldwide localities

Ambatovita, Madagascar
Afghanistan

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: granite pegmatites. If you start seeing quartz, albite, tourmaline in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pezzottaite-(cs)?+

Mohs hardness is 8. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, raspberry red.

Where is pezzottaite-(cs) found?+

Notable localities include Ambatovita, Madagascar; Afghanistan.

Is pezzottaite-(cs) safe to handle?+

Pezzottaite-(Cs) contains beryllium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like pezzottaite-(cs)?+

Pezzottaite-(Cs) is most often confused with Beryl, Tourmaline, Spodumene. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with pezzottaite-(cs)?+

Pezzottaite-(Cs) commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Albite, Tourmaline, Danburite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pezzottaite-(cs) form in?+

Where it forms: granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pezzottaite-(cs) used for?+

Pezzottaite-(Cs) is used in gemstone, collector.

Find pezzottaite-(cs) on the map

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