Danburite
A variety of Minerals
What is Danburite?
Danburite is a usually-colorless mineral with a hardness and appearance quite similar to quartz. Relatively rare, it is not often found outside Danbury, Connecticut, where it was first discovered and for which it is named. Occasionally, exceptional danburites are cut and polished into gemstones.
Etymology & Origins
It is named for Danbury, Connecticut, United States, where it was first discovered in 1839 by Charles Upham Shephard.
Uses & Applications
The clarity, resilience, and strong dispersion of danburite make it valuable as cut stones for jewelry.
Healing Properties
Danburite is believed to posses a high level of spiritual energy and aid in enlightenment. Linking the Heart and Crown chakras, the stone is said to improve cognitive thinking and open the heart to greater joy. This uplifting of the spirit is said to heighten awareness and provide greater understanding and acceptance.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.627-1.639
- Birefringence
- 0.006
- Pleochroism
- Weak: pale yellow, yellow
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive or negative
- Dispersion
- 0.017
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Danburite 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.
Danburite Localities Map
See where Danburite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Associated Chakras
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Danburite
It has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5 and a specific gravity of 3.0. The mineral has an orthorhombic crystal form. It is usually colourless, like quartz, but can also be either pale yellow or yellowish-brown. It typically occurs in contact metamorphic rocks. The Dana classification of minerals categorizes danburite as a sorosilicate, while the Strunz classification scheme lists it as a tectosilicate; its structure can be interpreted as either. Its crystal symmetry and form are similar to topaz; however, topaz is a calcium fluorine bearing nesosilicate.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Pale yellow, yellowish-brown, colourless
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7 - 7.5
- Density
- 2.99 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Greasy, Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Orthorhombic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- CaB2Si2O8
- Elements
- B, Ca, O, Si
Also Known As
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Danburite FAQs
How do I identify Danburite?
Danburite can be identified by its hardness of 7 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale, Pale yellow color, Greasy, Vitreous luster, Orthorhombic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Danburite?
Danburite typically appears in Pale yellow, yellowish-brown, colourless. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Danburite?
Danburite has a hardness of 7 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.
What is the characteristics of danburite of Danburite?
It has a Mohs hardness of 7 to 7.5 and a specific gravity of 3.0. The mineral has an orthorhombic crystal form. It is usually colourless, like quartz, but can also be either pale yellow or yellowish-brown. It typically occurs in contact metamorphic rocks. The Dana classification of minerals categorizes danburite as a sorosilicate, while the Strunz classification scheme lists it as a tectosilicate; its structure can be interpreted as either. Its crystal symmetry and form are similar to topaz; however, topaz is a calcium fluorine bearing nesosilicate.
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