Geographic Occurrence of Goshenite


Important sources of goshenite include the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil; the Ural Mountains of Russia; areas near Dassu, Pakistan; and, areas near Ampangabe, Madagascar.

In the United States, goshenite has been found in many locations. Important sources are the pegmatites of New England, the pegmatites of southern California, and numerous locations in the granite pegmatites of the Rocky Mountains.

Small mines that produce goshenite (along with other minerals) and goshenite occurrences are scattered across the world. The most comprehensive list and map of these can be found at mindat.org.

Physical Properties of Goshenite
Chemical ClassificationSilicate
ColorColorless
StreakColorless (harder than the streak plate)
LusterVitreous
DiaphaneityTranslucent to transparent
CleavageImperfect
Mohs Hardness7.5 to 8
Specific Gravity2.6 to 2.8
Diagnostic PropertiesCrystals are prismatic, often with flat terminations, hexagonal, and without striations. Hardness and relatively low specific gravity.
Chemical CompositionBe3Al2Si6O18
Crystal SystemHexagonal (often occurs in prismatic to tabular crystals with a hexagonal cross section)
UsesMost goshenite is purchased by people who collect minerals and gemstones. It is rarely used in jewelry because it lacks an interesting color. It also does not compete well against other colorless stones such as diamond, topaz and white sapphire because of its lower hardness, luster, brilliance and fire.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *