Ezcurrite is a rare borate mineral typically found as white, tabular crystals or massive, granular aggregates in evaporite deposits. Collectors primarily identify it by its associations with other borate minerals in classic saline lake bed environments like the Tincalayu deposit in Argentina.
Is this ezcurrite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch ezcurrite with a known reference. Ezcurrite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ezcurrite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ezcurrite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Ezcurrite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Ezcurrite and vitreous to pearly on Kernite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Ezcurrite and vitreous to earthy on Borax.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Ezcurrite and silky on Ulexite.
Often found alongside ezcurrite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ezcurrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂B₅O₈(OH)·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits in Arid Saline Lake Beds
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen depending on size
Where rockhounds find ezcurrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tincalayu Mine, Argentina
- Boron, California
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits in arid saline lake beds country — that is the host setting where ezcurrite typically forms. If you start seeing borax, kernite, ulexite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ezcurrite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
