Blauberite is a rare, unstable sulfate mineral that typically forms as a dehydration pseudomorph of mirabilite. It is found almost exclusively in hypersaline lake beds and evaporite environments, often requiring careful storage to prevent further degradation into thenardite.
Is this blauberite?
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 blauberite with a known reference. Blauberite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Blauberite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Blauberite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, grayish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Blauberite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside blauberite
Minerals reported to co-occur with blauberite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂SO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 1.48 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find blauberite
Classic worldwide localities
- Villarubia de Santiago, Spain
- Sodegaura, Japan
- various salt lakes
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country, the host setting where blauberite typically forms. If you start seeing mirabilite, thenardite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find blauberite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
