The facts
What hambergite actually is
Mineralogically, hambergite is hambergite — Be₂(BO₃)(OH), crystallising in the orthorhombic system.
The colour is caused by colourless to greyish-white or pale yellow; essentially impurity-free. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.553–1.628 (birefringence 0.072), and the specific gravity sits near 2.35; cleavage is perfect {010}, good {100}.
Where hambergite comes from
The recognised sources are Anjanabonoina, Betafo, Madagascar, Helgeroa, Langesundsfjord, Norway (type locality), Kashmir, India and Mogok, Myanmar.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How hambergite is treated
Untreated. Remarkable for very high birefringence combined with a very low density — a large hambergite feels startlingly light for its size, and strong doubling of back facets is diagnostic. Colourless, so its appeal is purely to collectors of the unusual.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What hambergite is confused with
The usual confusions are Quartz, Danburite, Phenakite, Beryllonite and Topaz.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.553–1.628 (birefringence 0.072) and specific gravity 2.35 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What hambergite is used for
Hambergite is bought by mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen.
Durability and care
Hambergite is 7.5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect {010}, good {100} cleavage.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What hambergite costs
Indicative pricing for hambergite is Faceted stones $60–$300/ct; fine crystals $100–$2,000.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is hambergite treated, and how?
Untreated. Remarkable for very high birefringence combined with a very low density — a large hambergite feels startlingly light for its size, and strong doubling of back facets is diagnostic. Colourless, so its appeal is purely to collectors of the unusual.
Where does hambergite come from?
Anjanabonoina, Betafo, Madagascar, Helgeroa, Langesundsfjord, Norway (type locality), Kashmir, India and Mogok, Myanmar. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is hambergite hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect {010}, good {100} cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does hambergite cost?
Indicatively Faceted stones $60–$300/ct; fine crystals $100–$2,000. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is hambergite confused with?
Most often Quartz, Danburite, Phenakite, Beryllonite and Topaz. A refractive index of 1.553–1.628 (birefringence 0.072) and a specific gravity near 2.35 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for hambergite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about hambergite