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.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSodalite Group family

Sulfhydrylbystrite

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this sulfhydrylbystrite?

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 sulfhydrylbystrite with a known reference. Sulfhydrylbystrite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sulfhydrylbystrite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Sulfhydrylbystrite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, golden-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Sulfhydrylbystrite leaves white, Lazurite leaves light blue.

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: Yellow Golden-yellow
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, 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

How do you identify sulfhydrylbystrite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, golden-yellow.

Where is sulfhydrylbystrite found?+

Notable localities include Lake Baikal, Russia; Lazurite deposits, Slyudyanka.

How much is sulfhydrylbystrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like sulfhydrylbystrite?+

Sulfhydrylbystrite is most often confused with Sodalite, Lazurite, Haüyne. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with sulfhydrylbystrite?+

Sulfhydrylbystrite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Phlogopite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sulfhydrylbystrite form in?+

Sulfhydrylbystrite typically forms in metamorphic limestone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sulfhydrylbystrite used for?+

Sulfhydrylbystrite is used in collector.

Find sulfhydrylbystrite on the map

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