Meixnerite is a rare layered double hydroxide mineral that typically forms as soft, pearly, platy crystals or fine micaceous aggregates. It is often found in the weathered zones of magnesium-rich metamorphic rocks like serpentinite, frequently associated with brucite and other hydrotalcite-group minerals. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and delicate crystalline form, though its extreme softness makes it difficult to handle.
Is this meixnerite?
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 meixnerite with a known reference. Meixnerite sits at Mohs ~2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, pseudohexagonal flakes, massive, micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Meixnerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Meixnerite and satiny to greasy or waxy on Hydrotalcite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Meixnerite and waxy, pearly on cleavage surfaces on Brucite.
How to tell apart: Meixnerite is noticeably harder (Mohs ~2 vs. 1).
Often found alongside meixnerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with meixnerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₆Al₂(OH)₁₈·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~2
- Density
- 1.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, pseudohexagonal flakes, massive, micaceous aggregates
- Cleavage
- {0001}, perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- A secondary mineral in serpentinite
Where rockhounds find meixnerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ybbs-Persenberg, Ispertal, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A secondary mineral in serpentinite. If you start seeing talc, aragonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, pseudohexagonal flakes, massive, micaceous aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify meixnerite?+
Where is meixnerite found?+
What rocks look like meixnerite?+
What minerals are found with meixnerite?+
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Find meixnerite on the map
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