Carlosruizite is an extremely rare sulfate-iodate-selenate mineral found primarily in the hyper-arid regions of the Atacama Desert. It typically occurs as small, delicate, yellow needle-like crystals or radiating clusters within nitrate-rich evaporite deposits. Due to its scarcity and solubility, it is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare species.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Carlosruizite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this carlosruizite?

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 carlosruizite with a known reference. Carlosruizite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Carlosruizite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Carlosruizite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: acicular crystals, radiating sprays, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Dietzeite

Mohs 3-3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Carlosruizite leaves white, Dietzeite leaves yellow.

Often found alongside carlosruizite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₆(Na,K)₄Na₆Mg₂(SO₄)₃(IO₃)₄(SeO₄)₃·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.36 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays, Crusts
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nitrate Deposits in Arid Desert Environments
Typical price: $50-300 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find carlosruizite

Classic worldwide localities

Chuquicamata Mine, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in nitrate deposits in arid desert environments country — that is the host setting where carlosruizite typically forms. If you start seeing dietzeite, halite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating sprays, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify carlosruizite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is carlosruizite found?+

Notable localities include Chuquicamata Mine, Chile.

How much is carlosruizite worth?+

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

What rocks look like carlosruizite?+

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

What minerals are found with carlosruizite?+

Carlosruizite commonly co-occurs with Dietzeite, Halite, Gypsum, Nitratine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does carlosruizite form in?+

Carlosruizite typically forms in nitrate deposits in arid desert environments. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is carlosruizite used for?+

Carlosruizite is used in collector.

Find carlosruizite on the map

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