Nipalarsite is a rare antimony oxide mineral discovered in the unique carbonatite complexes of Afghanistan. It typically forms small tabular crystals associated with carbonate minerals and is prized by advanced mineral collectors for its rarity.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Nipalarsite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this nipalarsite?

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 nipalarsite with a known reference. Nipalarsite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nipalarsite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nipalarsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Senarmontite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Nipalarsite and adamantine on Senarmontite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Nipalarsite and adamantine on Valentinite.

Compare →

Often found alongside nipalarsite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Sb₄O₇
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.42 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Carbonatite
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nipalarsite

Classic worldwide localities

Khanneshin Carbonatite Complex, Afghanistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in carbonatite country — that is the host setting where nipalarsite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, baryte, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nipalarsite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is nipalarsite found?+

Notable localities include Khanneshin Carbonatite Complex, Afghanistan.

How much is nipalarsite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is nipalarsite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains antimony, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; handle with care and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like nipalarsite?+

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

What minerals are found with nipalarsite?+

Nipalarsite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Baryte, Apatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nipalarsite form in?+

Nipalarsite typically forms in carbonatite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nipalarsite used for?+

Nipalarsite is used in collector.

Find nipalarsite on the map

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