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 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Meixnerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Meixnerite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish-white.
- 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.
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
- 1.5-2
- Density
- 2.05 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Pseudohexagonal Flakes, Massive, Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks, Specifically Serpentinites and Altered Magnesium-rich Carbonates
- Typical price
- $20-100 for small specimen or micro-mounts
Where rockhounds find meixnerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Austria (Krotenhall, Hochfeiler)
- USA (New Jersey)
- Italy (Val di Fiemme)
- Russia (Kola Peninsula)
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks, specifically serpentinites and altered magnesium-rich carbonates country — that is the host setting where meixnerite typically forms. If you start seeing brucite, hydrotalcite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, pseudohexagonal flakes, massive, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify meixnerite?+
Where is meixnerite found?+
How much is meixnerite worth?+
What rocks look like meixnerite?+
What minerals are found with meixnerite?+
What kind of rock does meixnerite form in?+
What is meixnerite used for?+
Find meixnerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
