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, so 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, 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.