Lüneburgite is a rare magnesium borophosphate mineral typically found in saline evaporite deposits. Collectors should look for its characteristic clear, tabular crystals or radial clusters embedded in salt-bearing sediments.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Lüneburgite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this lüneburgite?

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 lüneburgite with a known reference. Lüneburgite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lüneburgite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lüneburgite 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: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radial aggregates, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Borax

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Lüneburgite and vitreous to earthy on Borax.

Often found alongside lüneburgite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₃(PO₄)₂(B(OH)₄)₂·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.05 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen depending on crystal size and matrix quality

Where rockhounds find lüneburgite

Classic worldwide localities

Lüneburg, Germany
Icha, Russia
Inder, Kazakhstan
Socorro, USA

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify lüneburgite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is lüneburgite found?+

Notable localities include Lüneburg, Germany; Icha, Russia; Inder, Kazakhstan; Socorro, USA.

How much is lüneburgite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen depending on crystal size and matrix quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like lüneburgite?+

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

What minerals are found with lüneburgite?+

Lüneburgite commonly co-occurs with Halite, Anhydrite, Gypsum, Sylvite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lüneburgite form in?+

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

What is lüneburgite used for?+

Lüneburgite is used in collector.

Find lüneburgite on the map

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