Nitrobarite is a very rare barium nitrate mineral typically found in extremely arid environments like the Atacama Desert. It usually occurs as small, sharp octahedral crystals or efflorescent crusts and is notably soluble in water.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Nitrobarite

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

Is this nitrobarite?

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 nitrobarite with a known reference. Nitrobarite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nitrobarite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nitrobarite 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: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside nitrobarite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ba(NO₃)₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.23 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Research
Host rock: Arid Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nitrobarite

Classic worldwide localities

Chile
China

Field-hunting tip

Look in arid evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where nitrobarite typically forms. If you start seeing nitratine, halite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nitrobarite?+

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

Where is nitrobarite found?+

Notable localities include Chile; China.

How much is nitrobarite 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 nitrobarite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Nitrobarite is a soluble barium salt and is toxic if ingested or inhaled. Handle with gloves and ensure proper hygiene, especially as it is highly water-soluble. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like nitrobarite?+

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

What minerals are found with nitrobarite?+

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

What kind of rock does nitrobarite form in?+

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

What is nitrobarite used for?+

Nitrobarite is used in collector, research.

Find nitrobarite on the map

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