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.

Danburite

A variety of Minerals

Rare

Danburite specimen - rock identification

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

Danburite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Danburite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Danburite Localities Map

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

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Associated Chakras

Heart

Third Eye

Crown

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.