Reinhardbraunsite is a rare calcium silicate mineral belonging to the humite group, typically found as small, colorless grains within thermally metamorphosed limestone xenoliths. It is most notably associated with the Eifel volcanic region in Germany where it occurs in complex mineral assemblages formed by contact metamorphism. Due to its scarcity and similarity to other humite minerals, it is primarily a target for specialized mineral collectors.
Is this reinhardbraunsite?
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 reinhardbraunsite with a known reference. Reinhardbraunsite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Reinhardbraunsite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Reinhardbraunsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular to compact aggregates.
Often confused with
Reinhardbraunsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside reinhardbraunsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with reinhardbraunsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₅(SiO₄)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to Compact Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Ejecta Blocks in Volcanic Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find reinhardbraunsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bellerberg Volcano, Eifel, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic ejecta blocks in volcanic deposits country — that is the host setting where reinhardbraunsite typically forms. If you start seeing ettringite, afwillite, portlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to compact aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find reinhardbraunsite on the map
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