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, so Lawsonbauerite leaves yellow, Retgersite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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