Lawsonbauerite is a very rare hydrated sulfate mineral known primarily from the zinc-manganese orebodies of the Franklin Mining District in New Jersey. It typically forms as small, attractive yellow tabular crystals or crusts, often associated with other rare zinc-bearing species. Due to its scarcity and fragile nature, it is a highly prized species for advanced mineral collectors specializing in Franklin or Sterling Hill localities.
Is this lawsonbauerite?
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 lawsonbauerite with a known reference. Lawsonbauerite 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. Lawsonbauerite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lawsonbauerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.
Often confused with
Lawsonbauerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Lawsonbauerite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Lawsonbauerite leaves yellow, Retgersite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Lawsonbauerite leaves yellow, Mooreite leaves white.
Often found alongside lawsonbauerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lawsonbauerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mn,Mg,Zn)₉Zn₄(SO₄)₂(OH)₂₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Metamorphic Zinc Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find lawsonbauerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Franklin Mine, New Jersey, USA
- Sterling Hill Mine, New Jersey, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal metamorphic zinc deposits country — that is the host setting where lawsonbauerite typically forms. If you start seeing franklinite, willemite, zincite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find lawsonbauerite on the map
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