Ye'elimite is a rare calcium sulfoaluminate mineral typically found in the high-temperature combustion metamorphic rocks of the Hatrurim Formation. It is most notable for its primary role as a key constituent in calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements, rather than its presence in hand specimens. Collectors typically search for it as small inclusions or crystalline grains within carbonate-rich rocks.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Ye'elimite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this ye'elimite?

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 ye'elimite with a known reference. Ye'elimite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ye'elimite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ye'elimite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: equant grains, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ye'elimite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄Al₆O₁₂SO₄
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.99 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Equant Grains, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Industrial, Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Pyrometamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-200 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find ye'elimite

Classic worldwide localities

Hatrurim Formation, Israel
Buhovo, Bulgaria
Kopeysk, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic pyrometamorphic rocks country, the host setting where ye'elimite typically forms. If you start seeing larnite, brownmillerite, wollastonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ye'elimite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray.

Where is ye'elimite found?+

Notable localities include Hatrurim Formation, Israel; Buhovo, Bulgaria; Kopeysk, Russia.

How much is ye'elimite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-200 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like ye'elimite?+

Ye'elimite is most often confused with Gehlenite, Anorthite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ye'elimite?+

Ye'elimite commonly co-occurs with Larnite, Brownmillerite, Wollastonite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ye'elimite form in?+

Ye'elimite typically forms in metamorphic pyrometamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ye'elimite used for?+

Ye'elimite is used in industrial, collector.

Find ye'elimite on the map

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