Borcarite is a rare borate mineral typically occurring as small, white to colorless tabular crystals or granular masses in skarn environments. It is primarily known from the Solongo borate deposit in Russia, where it forms in association with other borates and carbonates. Collectors prize it for its rarity and distinct chemical composition, though it is usually found as inconspicuous small crystalline masses.
Is this borcarite?
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 borcarite with a known reference. Borcarite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Borcarite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Borcarite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Borcarite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside borcarite
Minerals reported to co-occur with borcarite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄Mg(B₄O₆)(OH)₆(CO₃)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find borcarite
Classic worldwide localities
- Solongo deposit, Buryatia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where borcarite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, serpentine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find borcarite on the map
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