mineral

Taaffeite

BeMgAl4O8 (Beryllium Magnesium Aluminum Oxide)

Hardness: 8-8.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Lilac, violet, mauve, reddish, greyish violet, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal, Specific Gravity: 3.60-3.61, Cleavage: Imperfect/Poor.

Hardness: 8-8
Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal, Specific Gravity: 3

Identified June 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 8-8.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Lilac, violet, mauve, reddish, greyish violet, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal, Specific Gravity: 3.60-3.61, Cleavage: Imperfect/Poor.

Formation & geological history

Formed in carbonate rocks (dolomite or limestone) associated with beryllium minerals through contact metamorphism and hydrothermal processes. Extremely rare worldwide.

Uses & applications

Primary use is for gemstone collecting and high-end luxury jewelry due to its intense rarity.

Geological facts

Taaffeite is historically significant as the first mineral to be identified from a faceted gemstone rather than a rough crystal. It was discovered by Richard Taaffe in 1945 in a jewelry shop. It is much rarer than diamond.

Field identification & locations

Extremely difficult to identify in the field as it is often mistaken for Spinel. Identification requires precise measurement of double refraction (birefringence), which Spinel lacks. Found mostly in alluvial deposits in Sri Lanka and Tanzania.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

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sedimentary

Schist

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Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic