Braunerite is a rare member of the calcite group, representing a magnesium-rich carbonate containing iron and manganese. Collectors typically look for its distinct brownish tint and rhombohedral crystal habit, which often mimics other carbonates in the group.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareCalcite Group family

Braunerite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this braunerite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch braunerite with a known reference. Braunerite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Braunerite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Braunerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral.

Often confused with

Braunerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside braunerite

Minerals reported to co-occur with braunerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe,Mn,Ca)CO₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.4-3.5 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Yellowish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral
Cleavage: Perfect Rhombohedral
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $20-150 for specimens

Where rockhounds find braunerite

Classic worldwide localities

Czech Republic
Germany
Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where braunerite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, siderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify braunerite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, yellowish-brown.

Where is braunerite found?+

Notable localities include Czech Republic; Germany; Italy.

How much is braunerite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like braunerite?+

Braunerite is most often confused with Magnesite, Siderite, Calcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with braunerite?+

Braunerite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Dolomite, Siderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does braunerite form in?+

Braunerite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is braunerite used for?+

Braunerite is used in collector.

Find braunerite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.