Sulfhydrylbystrite is a rare member of the sodalite group often found in association with skarn-type metamorphic deposits. It is best distinguished by its vibrant yellow color and strong fluorescence, which makes it a highly sought-after specimen for advanced mineral collectors.
Is this sulfhydrylbystrite?
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 sulfhydrylbystrite with a known reference. Sulfhydrylbystrite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sulfhydrylbystrite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sulfhydrylbystrite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, golden-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Sulfhydrylbystrite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sulfhydrylbystrite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sulfhydrylbystrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,Ca)₈(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)(S,SO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 2.3-2.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow Under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Limestone
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity
Where rockhounds find sulfhydrylbystrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lake Baikal, Russia
- Lazurite deposits, Slyudyanka
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic limestone country — that is the host setting where sulfhydrylbystrite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, phlogopite 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
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