Hambergite is a rare hydroxy beryllium borate, Be2BO3(OH). It is found in syenite pegmates. Typical hambergite is colorless or white, not the brown color of thi — Photo: Shannon Heinle · CC0
Hambergite
A beryllium borate named for Swedish explorer Axel Hamberg — colorless orthorhombic crystals occasionally cut as collector's gems.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Hambergite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the borate class, with the chemical formula Be₂(BO₃)(OH).
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pbca).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 7.5; specific gravity 2.35–2.37; typically colorless or white or yellow; white streak; Vitreous luster; refractive index 1.592; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Hb, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1890.
Occurs as an uncommon accessory mineral in granite pegmatites.
It is found associated with Beryl, danburite, apatite, spodumene, zircon, fluorite, feldspar, quartz.
The mineral was named to honor Professor Axel Hamberg (1863–1933), Swedish mineralogist and geographer.
Collections: Rare & Remarkable, Gemstones, Collector Favorites.