Azoproite is a rare borate mineral belonging to the ludwigite group, typically found in contact-metamorphic skarn deposits. Collectors look for its dark, prismatic or needle-like crystals embedded in crystalline limestone or associated with magnesium-rich silicates.
Is this azoproite?
5-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 azoproite with a known reference. Azoproite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Azoproite leaves a brownish black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Azoproite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals, often as fibrous aggregates.
Often confused with
Azoproite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside azoproite
Minerals reported to co-occur with azoproite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Fe²⁺,Ti,Fe³⁺)₂Fe³⁺(BO₃)O₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 3.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Acicular Crystals, Often as Fibrous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metasomatized Carbonate Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find azoproite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tas-Khayakhtakh Range, Sakha Republic, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metasomatized carbonate rocks country — that is the host setting where azoproite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, forsterite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to acicular crystals, often as fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find azoproite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
