Swedenborgite is a rare hexagonal mineral known almost exclusively from the Långban mining district in Sweden. It typically forms small, clear, tabular crystals and is highly prized by advanced collectors due to its scarcity and unique chemical composition.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Swedenborgite

Hardness: 8
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this swedenborgite?

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 swedenborgite with a known reference. Swedenborgite sits at Mohs 8 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Swedenborgite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Swedenborgite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside swedenborgite

Minerals reported to co-occur with swedenborgite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: NaBe₄SbO₇
Mohs hardness: 8
Density: 4.33 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On {0001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find swedenborgite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits country — that is the host setting where swedenborgite typically forms. If you start seeing richterite, långbanite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify swedenborgite?+

Mohs hardness is 8. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellow, brown.

Where is swedenborgite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden.

How much is swedenborgite worth?+

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

Is swedenborgite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like swedenborgite?+

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

What minerals are found with swedenborgite?+

Swedenborgite commonly co-occurs with Richterite, Långbanite, Hematite, Barite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does swedenborgite form in?+

Swedenborgite typically forms in metamorphosed iron-manganese ore deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is swedenborgite used for?+

Swedenborgite is used in collector.

Find swedenborgite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.