Beryllonite
Beryllonite is phosphate (beryllium sodium), NaBePO₄. In the hand, it rates 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, and it runs colorless and white. Water-clear to white tabular pegmatite crystals that mimic quartz but cleave in flat mirror sheets quartz never shows. Phosphate-rich pegmatites; classic: Stoneham and Newry, Maine (USA); also Pakistan, Brazil.
The geology.
Beryllonite carries the formula NaBePO₄. It belongs to the monoclinic (pseudo-orthorhombic) system. Its listing category is phosphate (beryllium sodium).
It sits at 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous to adamantine. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 2.8. The streak is white. It breaks with perfect cleavage; brittle.
Water-clear to white tabular pegmatite crystals that mimic quartz but cleave in flat mirror sheets quartz never shows.
It turns up mostly as tabular crystals, cleavage fragments or rare faceted stones.
The origins.
Phosphate-rich pegmatites; classic: Stoneham and Newry, Maine (USA); also Pakistan, Brazil.
On value, the database notes: rare collector mineral; faceted stones are specialist items.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, beryllonite has little established lore; modern crystal writers occasionally link it with quiet purpose.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Water-clear to white tabular pegmatite crystals that mimic quartz but cleave in flat mirror sheets quartz never shows.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Quartz | Quartz has no cleavage and is harder; beryllonite splits along perfect flat planes |
| Goshenite (clear beryl) | Beryl is harder (7.5 to 8) with hexagonal prisms |
| Albite | Feldspar is blockier with two cleavages near 90° |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about beryllonite. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Perfect flat cleavage flash |
| Scratch check | Knife just scratches it (Mohs ~6) |
| By eye | Lighter than topaz, heavier than opal (SG 2.8) |
If these checks leave you unsure, that is what appraisers are for. Do not file, heat or soak a piece to find out.
Care & handling.
At 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with perfect cleavage; brittle, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Most damage happens during cleaning, not wearing. Avoid steamers, ultrasonic tanks and anything from under the sink.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is NaBePO₄. Crystal system: Monoclinic (pseudo-orthorhombic). Specific gravity: 2.8. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Perfect cleavage; brittle.
How it reaches the market
Phosphate-rich pegmatites; classic: Stoneham and Newry, Maine (USA); also Pakistan, Brazil.
What it gets confused with
Quartz: Quartz has no cleavage and is harder; beryllonite splits along perfect flat planes. Goshenite (clear beryl): Beryl is harder (7.5 to 8) with hexagonal prisms. Albite: Feldspar is blockier with two cleavages near 90°.
What it is worth
Rare collector mineral; faceted stones are specialist items.
One more thing
Named simply for its beryllium content, one of the few gems whose name is pure chemistry, no poetry.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Beryllonite is not part of our catalogue, and the guide is here anyway because somebody searching the name deserves a straight answer.
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