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 — that is 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.