Uralolite is a rare calcium-beryllium phosphate mineral that typically occurs as radial tufts or crusts in pegmatite environments. Collectors usually identify it through its characteristic association with rare beryllium minerals and its delicate, needle-like habit in cavities.
Is this uralolite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch uralolite with a known reference. Uralolite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Uralolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Uralolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: radial aggregates, crusts, acicular needles.
Often confused with
Uralolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside uralolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with uralolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaBe₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.35-2.38 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Radial Aggregates, Crusts, Acicular Needles
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find uralolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Vastenjarg, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Tip Top mine, South Dakota, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where uralolite typically forms. If you start seeing beryllonite, morinite, hurlbutite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a radial aggregates, crusts, acicular needles habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find uralolite on the map
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