Inderborite is a rare hydrated calcium magnesium borate mineral typically found in evaporite basins. Collectors should look for its characteristic prismatic, often colorless to white crystals that usually form within salt lake deposits or salt domes.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareBorate Group family

Inderborite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this inderborite?

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 inderborite with a known reference. Inderborite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Inderborite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Inderborite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Inderborite and pearly on Preobrazhenskite.

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Often found alongside inderborite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaMg[B₃O₃(OH)₅]₂·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.16 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find inderborite

Classic worldwide localities

Inder Deposit (Kazakhstan)

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where inderborite typically forms. If you start seeing inderite, borax, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify inderborite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is inderborite found?+

Notable localities include Inder Deposit (Kazakhstan).

How much is inderborite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like inderborite?+

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

What minerals are found with inderborite?+

Inderborite commonly co-occurs with Inderite, Borax, Halite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does inderborite form in?+

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

What is inderborite used for?+

Inderborite is used in collector.

Find inderborite on the map

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