Aluminomagnesiohulsite is a rare borate mineral belonging to the hulsite group, typically occurring as prismatic crystals within skarn deposits. It is chemically complex, characterized by the substitution of aluminum and magnesium within its structure, and is usually found in association with other borate minerals and magnetite. Collectors prize this species for its rarity and its association with unique metamorphic geologic environments.
Is this aluminomagnesiohulsite?
3-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch aluminomagnesiohulsite with a known reference. Aluminomagnesiohulsite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown.
- 3Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: euhedral crystals, prismatic, subhedral crystals.
Often confused with
Aluminomagnesiohulsite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside aluminomagnesiohulsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with aluminomagnesiohulsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₂AlO₂(BO₃)
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.84 g/cm³
- Colors
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Euhedral crystals, prismatic, subhedral crystals
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In one thin section from a magnesian, spinel-bearing, kotoite-marble skarn
Where rockhounds find aluminomagnesiohulsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tas-Khayakhtakh ridge, Chersky Mountain System, near the mouth of Kebirin’ya Creek, a northern tributary of the Dogdo River, ~250 km east of Verkhoyansk, Republic of Sakha-Yakutia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In one thin section from a magnesian, spinel-bearing, kotoite-marble skarn. If you start seeing ludwigite, calcite, spinel in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: euhedral crystals, prismatic, subhedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify aluminomagnesiohulsite?+
Where is aluminomagnesiohulsite found?+
What rocks look like aluminomagnesiohulsite?+
What minerals are found with aluminomagnesiohulsite?+
What kind of rock does aluminomagnesiohulsite form in?+
What is aluminomagnesiohulsite used for?+
Find aluminomagnesiohulsite on the map
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