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 — that is 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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