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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Dietzeite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Carlosruizite leaves white, Dietzeite leaves light 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: K₃Na₂Na₃Mg₅(IO₃)₆(SeO₄)₆·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.42 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pale yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy
Cleavage: On {1120}, likely, visible on SEM images
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A rare constituent of nitrate ores

Where rockhounds find carlosruizite

Classic worldwide localities

Zapiga, Tarapacá, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A rare constituent of nitrate ores. If you start seeing iquiqueite, nitratine, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify carlosruizite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, pale yellow.

Where is carlosruizite found?+

Notable localities include Zapiga, Tarapacá, Chile.

Is carlosruizite safe to handle?+

Carlosruizite contains selenium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

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 Iquiqueite, Nitratine, Halite, Darapskite, Residues containing dietzeite, Brüggenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does carlosruizite form in?+

Where it forms: A rare constituent of nitrate ores. 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.