Uvite is a calcium-rich member of the tourmaline group, typically forming short, stout prismatic crystals in metamorphosed carbonate rocks. Collectors look for its distinctive trigonal cross-section and its tendency to be associated with contact-metamorphic minerals like diopside and calcite.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommonTourmaline Group family

Uvite

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this uvite?

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 uvite with a known reference. Uvite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Uvite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Uvite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, green, yellow, black, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: short prismatic to trigonal crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections, sometimes showing massive or granular forms..

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside uvite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaMg₃(Al₅Mg)(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃F
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.02-3.06 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Green Yellow Black Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Short Prismatic to Trigonal Crystals with Rounded Triangular Cross-sections, Sometimes Showing Massive or Granular Forms.
Cleavage: Indistinct
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Gemstone, Lapidary
Host rock: Metamorphosed Limestone and Dolomite Marbles
Typical price: $10-100 for small crystals, $200+ for large gem-quality specimens

Where rockhounds find uvite

Classic worldwide localities

Gouverneur, New York, USA
Brumado, Bahia, Brazil
Sri Lanka
Madagascar
Pakistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed limestone and dolomite marbles country — that is the host setting where uvite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, tremolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a short prismatic to trigonal crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections, sometimes showing massive or granular forms. habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify uvite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, green, yellow, black.

Where is uvite found?+

Notable localities include Gouverneur, New York, USA; Brumado, Bahia, Brazil; Sri Lanka; Madagascar; Pakistan.

How much is uvite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 for small crystals, $200+ for large gem-quality specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like uvite?+

Uvite is most often confused with Dravite, Schorl, Vesuvianite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with uvite?+

Uvite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Tremolite, Phlogopite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does uvite form in?+

Uvite typically forms in metamorphosed limestone and dolomite marbles. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is uvite used for?+

Uvite is used in collector, gemstone, lapidary.

Find uvite on the map

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