Hydroglauberite is a rare hydrated sulfate mineral that forms in arid evaporite environments. It is chemically similar to glauberite but contains essential water in its structure, making it highly sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Collectors typically find it as small, fragile tabular crystals associated with other salt minerals.
Is this hydroglauberite?
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 hydroglauberite with a known reference. Hydroglauberite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroglauberite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroglauberite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Hydroglauberite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydroglauberite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroglauberite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ca(SO₄)₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hydroglauberite
Classic worldwide localities
- Spain
- Chile
- China
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where hydroglauberite typically forms. If you start seeing thenardite, halite, glauberite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroglauberite?+
Where is hydroglauberite found?+
How much is hydroglauberite worth?+
What rocks look like hydroglauberite?+
What minerals are found with hydroglauberite?+
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Find hydroglauberite on the map
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