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, 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
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