Ericaite is a rare member of the boracite group typically found in marine evaporite sequences. It is most easily identified by its distinctive red to violet coloration and occurrence within salt beds alongside halite and sylvite.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareBoracite Group family

Ericaite

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

Is this ericaite?

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 ericaite with a known reference. Ericaite 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. Ericaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ericaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, pink, violet, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: pseudo-cubic crystals, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ericaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe,Mg,Mn)₃B₇O₁₃Cl
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 2.9-3.0 g/cm³
Colors: Red Pink Violet Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Pseudo-cubic Crystals, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ericaite

Classic worldwide localities

Germany
England
Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify ericaite?+

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

Where is ericaite found?+

Notable localities include Germany; England; Kazakhstan.

How much is ericaite worth?+

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

What rocks look like ericaite?+

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

What minerals are found with ericaite?+

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

What kind of rock does ericaite form in?+

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

What is ericaite used for?+

Ericaite is used in collector.

Find ericaite on the map

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