Chambersite is a rare manganese borate mineral typically found in salt dome cap rock environments. It is highly prized by collectors for its distinct tetrahedral crystal habit and striking purple to violet coloration.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBoracite Group family

Chambersite

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this chambersite?

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 chambersite with a known reference. Chambersite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chambersite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chambersite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: violet, purple, dark brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tetrahedral crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside chambersite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mn₃B₇O₁₃Cl
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 3.48 g/cm³
Colors: Violet Purple Dark Brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tetrahedral Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality

Where rockhounds find chambersite

Classic worldwide localities

Barbers Hill Salt Dome, Texas, USA
Mount Sedom, Israel

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where chambersite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, sylvite, anhydrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tetrahedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chambersite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include violet, purple, dark brown, black.

Where is chambersite found?+

Notable localities include Barbers Hill Salt Dome, Texas, USA; Mount Sedom, Israel.

How much is chambersite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 per specimen depending on crystal size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like chambersite?+

Chambersite is most often confused with Boracite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chambersite?+

Chambersite commonly co-occurs with Halite, Sylvite, Anhydrite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chambersite form in?+

Chambersite typically forms in evaporite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chambersite used for?+

Chambersite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find chambersite on the map

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