Kaliborite is a rare hydrated potassium-magnesium borate mineral found in evaporite deposits. It typically occurs as white, bladed crystals or granular masses and is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in borates.
Is this kaliborite?
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 kaliborite with a known reference. Kaliborite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kaliborite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kaliborite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: bladed crystals, granular masses.
Often confused with
Kaliborite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Kaliborite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 2-2.5); luster reads vitreous on Kaliborite and vitreous to earthy on Borax.
How to tell apart: Kaliborite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.5 vs. 3-3.5); luster reads vitreous on Kaliborite and dull on Priceite.
Often found alongside kaliborite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kaliborite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KMg₂B₁₁O₁₉·9H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 2.12 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals, Granular Masses
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kaliborite
Classic worldwide localities
- Inder Deposit, Kazakhstan
- Salinas del Bebedero, Argentina
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where kaliborite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, sylvite, boracite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals, granular masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kaliborite?+
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How much is kaliborite worth?+
What rocks look like kaliborite?+
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Find kaliborite on the map
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