Gemstone profile and identification guide
Danburite
Danburite is a calcium borosilicate gemstone often seen as a colorless faceted stone.
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Overview
Danburite is a calcium borosilicate gemstone often seen as a colorless faceted stone.
Did you know? Danburite was first described from Danbury, Connecticut, giving the mineral its name.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Danburite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Danburite)
Hardness: 7.25 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Primary colour: Colorless
Secondary colour: Pale Yellow
Colour family: Whites & Neutrals
High transparency, orthorhombic optics, and RI/SG values differentiate danburite from quartz and topaz.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7.25 Mohs
Chemical composition: Calcium borosilicate [CaB2(SiO4)2]
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Common locations: Mexico, Myanmar, Russia, Japan, Madagascar
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Usually colorless to pale yellow, with occasional pink to brown tones.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Danburite
Mineral group: Sorosilicate/borosilicate group
Chemical formula: Calcium borosilicate [CaB2(SiO4)2]
Mohs hardness: 7.25
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Distinct in one direction
Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 2.95-3.03
Refractive index: 1.627-1.641
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Colorless, pale yellow, brownish, pink
Common inclusions: Needles, fingerprints, growth zoning
Geological environment: Hydrothermal veins and metamorphic boron-bearing systems
Principal mining regions: Mexico, Myanmar, Russia, Japan, Madagascar
Important commercial sources: Fine facetable danburite is commonly associated with Mexican and Myanmar production
Historical significance: Known as a collector gemstone with increasing modern faceting use.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Glass and synthetic colorless stones can imitate danburite.
Common look-alikes: Topaz, quartz, beryl
Jewellery uses: Used in faceted gemstones and collector crystal specimens.
Care recommendations: Good hardness but with cleavage; avoid impact and extreme temperature changes.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Danburite.
Formation
Forms in hydrothermal and metamorphic boron-bearing environments.
Origin
Fine facetable danburite is commonly associated with Mexican and Myanmar production
Uses
Best for: Used in faceted gemstones and collector crystal specimens.
Ideal uses: Faceted jewellery and collector stones requiring good transparency.
Care
Good hardness but with cleavage; avoid impact and extreme temperature changes.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Danburite FAQ
How can I identify Danburite?
Compare hardness (7.25 Mohs), crystal system (Orthorhombic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Danburite appear in?
Usually colorless to pale yellow, with occasional pink to brown tones.
Where is Danburite commonly used?
Faceted jewellery and collector stones requiring good transparency.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.