Serendibite
A variety of Minerals
What is Serendibite?
Serendibite is an extremely rare silicate mineral that was first discovered in 1902 in Sri Lanka by Dunil Palitha Gunasekera and named after Serendib, the old Arabic name for Sri Lanka. The mineral is found in skarns associated with boron metasomatism of carbonate rocks where intruded by granite. Minerals occurring with serendibite include diopside, spinel, phlogopite, scapolite, calcite, tremolite, apatite, grandidierite, sinhalite, hyalophane, uvite, pargasite, clinozoisite, forsterite, warwickite and graphite.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.696-1.702
- Birefringence
- 0.005
- Pleochroism
- Strong: yellowish-green, bluish-green, violet-blue
- Optical Character
- Biaxial negative
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Serendibite 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.
Serendibite Localities Map
See where Serendibite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- pale yellow, blue-green, greyish blue
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Density
- 3.47 g/cm³
- Streak
- white
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Ca4[Mg6Al6]O4[Si6B3Al3O36]
- Elements
- Al, B, Ca, Mg, O, Si
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Serendibite FAQs
How do I identify Serendibite?
Serendibite can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, pale yellow color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Serendibite?
Serendibite typically appears in pale yellow, blue-green, greyish blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Serendibite?
Serendibite has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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