Sphaerobertrandite is an exceptionally rare beryllium silicate mineral that typically forms distinct spherical or radial fibrous aggregates. It is structurally related to bertrandite and is primarily found in complex beryllium-rich pegmatite environments.
Is this sphaerobertrandite?
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 sphaerobertrandite with a known reference. Sphaerobertrandite 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. Sphaerobertrandite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sphaerobertrandite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: spherical aggregates, radial fibers.
Often confused with
Sphaerobertrandite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sphaerobertrandite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sphaerobertrandite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Be₄Si₂O₇(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.71 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Spherical Aggregates, Radial Fibers
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pegmatites, Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find sphaerobertrandite
Classic worldwide localities
- Malyshevskoye deposit, Russia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where sphaerobertrandite typically forms. If you start seeing bertrandite, beryl, phenakite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a spherical aggregates, radial fibers habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify sphaerobertrandite?+
Where is sphaerobertrandite found?+
How much is sphaerobertrandite worth?+
What rocks look like sphaerobertrandite?+
What minerals are found with sphaerobertrandite?+
What kind of rock does sphaerobertrandite form in?+
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Find sphaerobertrandite on the map
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