Ginorite is a rare calcium borate mineral typically found as white, pearly platy crystals or foliated masses. It is most commonly associated with geothermal borate occurrences, particularly in the Tuscany region of Italy, where it forms in evaporite environments.
Is this ginorite?
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 ginorite with a known reference. Ginorite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ginorite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ginorite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, foliated aggregates, or scales.
Often confused with
Ginorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Ginorite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); luster reads pearly on Ginorite and vitreous on Gypsum.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Ginorite and dull on Priceite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Ginorite and silky on Ulexite.
Often found alongside ginorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ginorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂B₁₄O₂₃·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Foliated Aggregates, Or Scales
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits, Geothermal Fields
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ginorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sasso Pisano, Tuscany, Italy
- Larderello, Tuscany, Italy
- Death Valley, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits, geothermal fields country — that is the host setting where ginorite typically forms. If you start seeing anhydrite, gypsum, borax in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, foliated aggregates, or scales habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ginorite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
