Edgarbaileyite is a rare mercury silicate mineral primarily found in mercury-rich hydrothermal deposits. It is known for its distinct yellow to greenish-yellow color and high density, typically appearing as small tabular crystals or crusts on host rock.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Edgarbaileyite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this edgarbaileyite?

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 edgarbaileyite with a known reference. Edgarbaileyite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Edgarbaileyite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Edgarbaileyite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, sometimes as coatings.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Eglestonite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Edgarbaileyite leaves yellow, Eglestonite leaves yellowish-white.

Often found alongside edgarbaileyite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg⁶⁺₂Si₂O₇
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 6.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Sometimes as Coatings
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mercury Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find edgarbaileyite

Classic worldwide localities

Clear Creek Mine, California, USA
New Idria District, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mercury deposits country, the host setting where edgarbaileyite typically forms. If you start seeing cinnabar, quartz, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, sometimes as coatings habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify edgarbaileyite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, greenish-yellow.

Where is edgarbaileyite found?+

Notable localities include Clear Creek Mine, California, USA; New Idria District, California, USA.

How much is edgarbaileyite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is edgarbaileyite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury; handle with caution, avoid inhaling dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Wear appropriate protective gear. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like edgarbaileyite?+

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

What minerals are found with edgarbaileyite?+

Edgarbaileyite commonly co-occurs with Cinnabar, Quartz, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does edgarbaileyite form in?+

Edgarbaileyite typically forms in hydrothermal mercury deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is edgarbaileyite used for?+

Edgarbaileyite is used in collector.

Find edgarbaileyite on the map

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