Ernstburkeite is a rare organic mineral typically found as small, pale yellow tabular crystals. It is a polycyclic diterpenoid mineral often associated with deposits of amber. Because of its rarity and organic composition, it is highly prized by specialized mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Ernstburkeite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this ernstburkeite?

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 ernstburkeite with a known reference. Ernstburkeite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ernstburkeite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ernstburkeite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ernstburkeite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg(C₂₀H₂₉O₂)₂(H₂O)₂
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 1.15 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ernstburkeite

Classic worldwide localities

Witzleben, Thuringia, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary deposits country — that is the host setting where ernstburkeite typically forms. If you start seeing amber, glauberite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ernstburkeite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is ernstburkeite found?+

Notable localities include Witzleben, Thuringia, Germany.

How much is ernstburkeite 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 ernstburkeite?+

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

What minerals are found with ernstburkeite?+

Ernstburkeite commonly co-occurs with Amber, Glauberite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ernstburkeite form in?+

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

What is ernstburkeite used for?+

Ernstburkeite is used in collector.

Find ernstburkeite on the map

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