Danburite is a crystalline mineral similar to topaz. Its chemical formula is CaB2(SiO4)2. It is between 7 to 7.5 on Moh’s scale of hardness. The crystal form of this mineral is orthorhombic. It is usually colorless like quartz. But it can also exist in white, pale yellow, yellowish-brown and pink colors. It typically occurs in contact with the metamorphic rocks.

This gemstone is named after Danbury, Connecticut, U. S. A where it was first discovered in by Charles Upham Shephard in the year 1839. Danburite’s original locality is now buried under the city of Danbury, Connecticut.

Danburite is not a well-known mineral but is fast becoming popular now. Danburite is loved by the collectors of perfectly transparent crystals. Quartz looks different from danburite.

Danburite has a diamond-shaped cross-section and wedge like termination. In contrast quartz has hexagonal cross section and pyramidal terminations.

Danburite can be transparent or translucent. Its luster is vitreous. Fractures are uneven and conchoidal. Quartz, feldspar, cassiterite, corundum, dolomite and fluorite are the associated minerals. Danburite occurs in Danbury, Russel of USA, Mexico, Japan , Burma and Switzerland.