Buddingtonite is an ammonium-bearing feldspar typically found as a replacement product in hydrothermal environments. It usually occurs as massive, fine-grained aggregates and requires laboratory confirmation via X-ray diffraction or infrared spectroscopy for positive identification.
Is this buddingtonite?
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 buddingtonite with a known reference. Buddingtonite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Buddingtonite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Buddingtonite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Buddingtonite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside buddingtonite
Minerals reported to co-occur with buddingtonite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NH₄AlSi₃O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 2.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Alteration Zones in Sedimentary Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-100 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find buddingtonite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sulphur Bank Mine, California, USA
- Boron, California, USA
- Kettleman Hills, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal alteration zones in sedimentary rocks country, the host setting where buddingtonite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, kaolinite, cinnabar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find buddingtonite on the map
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