Meliphanite Mineral Overview

• Mineral name: Meliphanite
• Mineral class: Silicate (tectosilicate)
• Chemical formula: (Ca,Na)₂Be(Si,Al)₂O₆(F,OH)
• Crystal system: Tetragonal
• Mohs hardness: 5–6
• Color range: Yellow, honey-yellow, brownish-yellow, colorless
• Luster: Vitreous
• Streak: White
• Cleavage: Perfect (one direction)
• Fracture: Uneven
• Specific gravity: Approximately 2.9–3.0
• Transparency: Transparent to translucent
• Common locations: Norway, Sweden, Russia, Canada
• Uses: Collector mineral, rare gemstone
• Similar minerals: Beryl, danburite, feldspar

Naming and Classification

Meliphanite is a beryllium-bearing silicate mineral, named from the Greek meli, meaning “honey,” referring to its characteristic yellow color.

It belongs to a small group of beryllium silicates, making it geochemically important due to the presence of:

• Beryllium (Be)

Physical and Optical Characteristics

Meliphanite typically occurs as:

• Prismatic or tabular crystals
• Granular or massive aggregates

Its most distinctive feature is its honey-yellow to golden coloration, which may also appear:

• Pale yellow
• Brownish-yellow
• Occasionally nearly colorless

The luster is vitreous, giving it a bright, glassy look.

With a Mohs hardness of 5–6, it is moderately hard but not highly durable.

Cleavage (Key Feature)

Meliphanite exhibits:

• Perfect cleavage in one direction

This can cause crystals to break along smooth planes, which is important for identification and handling.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Meliphanite is composed of:

• Calcium (Ca)
• Sodium (Na)
• Beryllium (Be)
• Silicon (Si)
• Aluminum (Al)
• Fluorine (F) and hydroxyl (OH)

It has a framework (tectosilicate) structure, somewhat similar to feldspars but modified by:

• Beryllium incorporation
• Fluorine and hydroxyl content

Formation and Geological Occurrence

Meliphanite forms in alkaline igneous environments, particularly in:

Nepheline Syenites

• Silica-poor, sodium-rich rocks

Pegmatitic and Late-Stage Crystallization Zones

• Highly evolved magmas

Typical formation conditions include:

• Presence of beryllium and fluorine
• Alkaline, silica-undersaturated environments

It is commonly associated with:

• Nepheline
• Sodalite
• Aegirine
• Other rare-element silicates

Common Locations

Meliphanite is relatively rare and found in:

• Norway: Classic locality
• Sweden: Similar alkaline complexes
• Russia: Kola Peninsula
• Canada: Rare occurrences

Scandinavian deposits are especially well-known.

Uses and Practical Significance

Meliphanite has limited practical use:

Collector Mineral

• Attractive honey-colored crystals
• Rare and geologically interesting

Gemstone Use

• Occasionally faceted
• Rare due to cleavage and scarcity

It has no significant industrial application.

Similar and Related Minerals

Meliphanite can resemble:

• Beryl: Harder and typically hexagonal
• Danburite: More durable and lacks perfect cleavage
• Feldspar: Similar appearance but different composition

Cleavage and beryllium content help distinguish meliphanite.

Identification Notes for Collectors

• Look for honey-yellow to pale yellow crystals
• Note perfect cleavage in one direction
• Check moderate hardness (5–6)
• Observe vitreous luster
• Consider association with alkaline igneous rocks

Meliphanite is a rare beryllium-bearing silicate, recognized for its distinct honey-yellow color and occurrence in alkaline igneous environments, making it a specialized and appealing mineral for collectors.