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Milarite
Milarite is silicates (osumilite group, double-ring silicate), K2Ca4Al2Be4Si24O60·H2O. In the hand, it rates 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, and it runs pale green and yellow-green. Glassy pale-green stubby hexagonal prisms from alpine clefts and pegmatites; looks like mini beryl but softer and lighter. Val Milar area (Switzerland, type region), Namibia (Erongo), Mexico (Guanajuato), Brazil.
The geology.
Milarite carries the formula K2Ca4Al2Be4Si24O60·H2O. It belongs to the hexagonal system. It is classified as silicates (osumilite group, double-ring silicate).
It sits at 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 2.46 to 2.61. The streak is white. It breaks with no distinct cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
Glassy pale-green stubby hexagonal prisms from alpine clefts and pegmatites; looks like mini beryl but softer and lighter.
You will most often meet it as stubby hexagonal prisms, crystals on matrix or rare faceted gems.
The origins.
Val Milar area (Switzerland, type region), Namibia (Erongo), Mexico (Guanajuato), Brazil.
On value, the database notes: collector mineral; sharp Erongo crystals are modestly priced rarities.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with renewal and subtle heart-centered balance.
People buy on this language, so it belongs on the page. It belongs under the facts, though, not over them.
Spotting the real thing.
Glassy pale-green stubby hexagonal prisms from alpine clefts and pegmatites; looks like mini beryl but softer and lighter.
Not faked; pale beryl mislabels occur in flat lots.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Beryl (green) | Beryl is harder (7.5 to 8); milarite yields to a knife-edge test at 5.5 to 6 |
| Apatite | Apatite is softer (5) with typically richer color saturation |
| Quartz prism | Quartz shows horizontal striations and hardness 7; milarite prisms are smooth-faced and softer |
At-home tests.
You can run every one of these at a kitchen table. Good light matters more than gear when you are looking at milarite.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Hexagonal prism habit with vitreous luster |
| Scratch check | Hardness between knife and quartz |
| By eye | Pegmatite/alpine association with adularia and quartz |
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 no distinct cleavage; conchoidal fracture, 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.
Beryllium-bearing: avoid grinding dust; handling specimens is safe.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is K2Ca4Al2Be4Si24O60·H2O. Crystal system: Hexagonal. Specific gravity: 2.46 to 2.61. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: No distinct cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
Val Milar area (Switzerland, type region), Namibia (Erongo), Mexico (Guanajuato), Brazil.
What it gets confused with
Beryl (green): Beryl is harder (7.5 to 8); milarite yields to a knife-edge test at 5.5 to 6. Apatite: Apatite is softer (5) with typically richer color saturation. Quartz prism: Quartz shows horizontal striations and hardness 7; milarite prisms are smooth-faced and softer.
What it is worth
Collector mineral; sharp Erongo crystals are modestly priced rarities.
Where buyers get caught
Not faked; pale beryl mislabels occur in flat lots.
One more thing
Milarite was named for the Swiss Val Milar, then later found to be mislabeled, the type specimens actually came from a neighboring valley, but the name stuck.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Milarite 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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