Strontiohurlbutite is a rare phosphate mineral and a member of the danburite group, usually occurring as small, prismatic crystals within complex pegmatites. It is chemically defined by the substitution of strontium for calcium in the hurlbutite structure, making it a prized species for specialized mineral collectors.
Is this strontiohurlbutite?
4-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 strontiohurlbutite with a known reference. Strontiohurlbutite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Strontiohurlbutite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside strontiohurlbutite
Minerals reported to co-occur with strontiohurlbutite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- SrBe₂P₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.101 g/cm³
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a highly-evolved zoned pegmatite, likely from reactions between late hydrothermal fluids and primary beryl
Where rockhounds find strontiohurlbutite
Classic worldwide localities
- Nanping No. 31 pegmatite, 8 km west of Nanping, Fujian province, southeastern China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a highly-evolved zoned pegmatite, likely from reactions between late hydrothermal fluids and primary beryl. If you start seeing quartz, muscovite, beryl in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify strontiohurlbutite?+
Where is strontiohurlbutite found?+
Is strontiohurlbutite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like strontiohurlbutite?+
What minerals are found with strontiohurlbutite?+
What kind of rock does strontiohurlbutite form in?+
What is strontiohurlbutite used for?+
Find strontiohurlbutite on the map
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