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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, brownish yellow, honey yellow, light yellow.
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: 4.285 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Brownish yellow Honey yellow Light yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Cleavage: {0001}, distinct
Fluorescence: Sky blue under SW UV; deep red under LW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In skarn from a metamorphosed Fe–Mn orebody

Where rockhounds find swedenborgite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Värmland, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In skarn from a metamorphosed Fe–Mn orebody. If you start seeing bromellite, richterite, manganoan biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify swedenborgite?+

Mohs hardness is ~8. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, brownish yellow, honey yellow, light yellow.

Where is swedenborgite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Värmland, Sweden.

Is swedenborgite safe to handle?+

Swedenborgite contains antimony and beryllium. Contains antimony, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Handle with care and wash hands after contact.

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 Bromellite, Richterite, Manganoan biotite, Calcite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does swedenborgite form in?+

Where it forms: In skarn from a metamorphosed Fe–Mn orebody. 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.