Balangeroite is a rare, asbestiform magnesium silicate primarily identified in the serpentinite bodies of the Italian Alps. It typically presents as light brown to reddish-brown fibrous masses and is almost exclusively found in the Balangero mine area.
Is this balangeroite?
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 balangeroite with a known reference. Balangeroite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Balangeroite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Balangeroite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous, acicular, asbestiform.
Often confused with
Balangeroite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Balangeroite and silky on Chrysotile.
How to tell apart: Tremolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3.5).
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Balangeroite and greasy on Antigorite.
Often found alongside balangeroite
Minerals reported to co-occur with balangeroite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₄₂Si₁₆O₅₄(OH)₄₀
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Acicular, Asbestiform
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Serpentinite
- Typical price
- $20-100 for thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find balangeroite
Classic worldwide localities
- Balangero asbestos mine, Italy
- Val di Lanzo, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in serpentinite country, the host setting where balangeroite typically forms. If you start seeing chrysotile, diopside, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, acicular, asbestiform habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find balangeroite on the map
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