Hambergite is named after Axel Hamberg, the Swedish mineralogist. The stone occurs as colorless to yellowish white crystals, but is rarely of gem quality. Hambergite is brittle with a perfect cleavage. It is very fragile and suitable for collectors only. When cut, it looks like glass. However, double images of the back facets may be seen through the table facets. That is due to its high birefringence.
Hambergite crystal has deep striations along its length. Some stones may display surface coloring from the host rock.
Occurrence
Gem-quality Hambergite occurs in Kashmir and Madagascar.
Hambergite Properties
- Specific Gravity: 2.35
- Refractive Index: 1.55-1.63
- Birefringence (DR): 0.072
- Luster: Vitreous
- Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic
- Composition: Beryllium hydroxyborate
- Hardness: 7½
Crystals Directory
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
W
Y
Z
Birthstone
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
