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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareDanburite Group family

Strontiohurlbutite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this strontiohurlbutite?

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 strontiohurlbutite with a known reference. Strontiohurlbutite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Strontiohurlbutite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Strontiohurlbutite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Strontiohurlbutite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Danburite

Mohs 7-7.5

How to tell apart: Danburite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 6).

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: 3.01 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find strontiohurlbutite

Classic worldwide localities

Tip Top Mine, South Dakota, USA
Finland
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where strontiohurlbutite typically forms. If you start seeing beryl, triphylite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify strontiohurlbutite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray.

Where is strontiohurlbutite found?+

Notable localities include Tip Top Mine, South Dakota, USA; Finland; Russia.

How much is strontiohurlbutite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is strontiohurlbutite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains beryllium, which is toxic if inhaled as dust or ingested. Handle specimens with care and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like strontiohurlbutite?+

Strontiohurlbutite is most often confused with Danburite, Hurlbutite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with strontiohurlbutite?+

Strontiohurlbutite commonly co-occurs with Beryl, Triphylite, Quartz, Albite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does strontiohurlbutite form in?+

Strontiohurlbutite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is strontiohurlbutite used for?+

Strontiohurlbutite is used in collector.

Find strontiohurlbutite on the map

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