Trattnerite is a rare hexagonal mineral within the beryl group, primarily distinguished by its magnesium-rich composition. It typically occurs as small prismatic crystals in pegmatitic environments and is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareBeryl Group family

Trattnerite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this trattnerite?

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 trattnerite with a known reference. Trattnerite sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Trattnerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Trattnerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, pale yellow, brownish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside trattnerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe²⁺)₂Mg₂(Be₆Si₁₂O₃₀)
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 2.68 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pale Yellow Brownish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find trattnerite

Classic worldwide localities

Murzinka
Urals
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites country, the host setting where trattnerite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica 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 trattnerite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, pale yellow, brownish.

Where is trattnerite found?+

Notable localities include Murzinka; Urals; Russia.

How much is trattnerite 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.

What rocks look like trattnerite?+

Trattnerite is most often confused with Beryl, Indialite, Cordierite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with trattnerite?+

Trattnerite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Mica. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does trattnerite form in?+

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

What is trattnerite used for?+

Trattnerite is used in collector.

Find trattnerite on the map

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