Bandylite specimens for sale
1 for sale · $2,000 USD
2 in the gallery
Bandylite is an anhydrous borate mineral that forms tetragonal crystals. It typically presents a blue color with a vitreous to pearly lustre, and can appear transparent to translucent. Habit often includes tabular and pyramidal faces, sometimes radiating aggregates, with perfect cleavage that reflects its brittle nature. Specific gravity is modest, and hardness sits around 2.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively soft specimen that requires careful handling.
- Formula
- CuB(OH)4Cl
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
- Classification notes
- Webmineral Dana classification: 25.01.04.02 (25) Anhydrous Borates Containing Hydroxyl or Halogen
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- tetragonal
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Specific gravity
- 2.81
- Luster
- vitreous, pearly
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- blue
- Streak
- blue
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- uneven
- Crystal habit
- tabular, pyramidal, radiating
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Where Bandylite is found
Top localities
- Queténa Mine2 specimens
About Bandylite
Historically, notable specimens have come from Chile, a locality that has produced well-formed bands of this mineral in varied crystallization environments. Collectors value Bandylite for its distinct blue hue and crystal forms, which contrast with more common borate minerals. Its clear to translucent prisms and the possibility of radiating aggregates add visual interest to cabinets and display bins. While not among the hardest or most durable minerals, Bandylite remains appealing as a study piece that illustrates hydroxy/halogen-bearing borates within the Dana classification 25.01.04.02. For enthusiasts, specimens showcasing sharp tabular faces and pyramidal terminations offer tangible links to crystallography and the mineral’s unique chemical composition.