Caresite is a very rare calcium sulfate fluoride mineral known primarily from a single locality in Russia. It typically presents as small tabular crystals that can be easily mistaken for common sulfate minerals like gypsum, requiring precise analytical methods for identification.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Caresite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this caresite?

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 caresite with a known reference. Caresite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Caresite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Caresite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Anhydrite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5).

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Often found alongside caresite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₄(SO₄)₂F₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.55 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find caresite

Classic worldwide localities

Caresite Mine, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify caresite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is caresite found?+

Notable localities include Caresite Mine, Russia.

How much is caresite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like caresite?+

Caresite is most often confused with Gypsum, Anhydrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with caresite?+

Caresite commonly co-occurs with fluorite, calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does caresite form in?+

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

What is caresite used for?+

Caresite is used in collector.

Find caresite on the map

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