Bertrandite

A variety of Minerals

Bertrandite specimen

What is Bertrandite?

Bertrandite is a beryllium sorosilicate hydroxide mineral with composition: Be4Si2O7(OH)2. Bertrandite is a colorless to pale yellow orthorhombic mineral with a hardness of 6-7. It is commonly found in beryllium rich pegmatites and is in part an alteration of beryl. Bertrandite often occurs as a pseudomorphic replacement of beryl. Associated minerals include beryl, phenakite, herderite, tourmaline, muscovite, fluorite and quartz. It, with beryl, are ores of beryllium. It was discovered near Nantes, France in 1883 and named after French mineralogist, Emile Bertrand (1844–1909). One of the world's largest deposits of bertrandite is Spor Mountain, Thomas Range, Utah which is currently the source of most of the world's beryllium production.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index
1.583-1.614
Optical Character
Biaxial negative

Market Value Factors

Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Bertrandite before comparing listings or appraisals.

Size & Weight

Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.

Rarity & Demand

Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.

Condition & Finish

Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.

Treatment & Provenance

Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Bertrandite Localities Map

See where Bertrandite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Interactive map layers and collecting notes are available in the app.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Colourless, pale yellow
Hardness (Mohs)
6 - 7
Density
2.61 g/cm³
Streak
White

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
Be4(Si2O7)(OH)2
Elements
Be, H, O, Si
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Bertrandite FAQs

How do I identify Bertrandite?

Bertrandite can be identified by its hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Bertrandite?

Bertrandite typically appears in Colourless, pale yellow. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Bertrandite?

Bertrandite has a hardness of 6 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

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