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
3
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Transparent
Is this nitrobarite?
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 nitrobarite with a known reference. Nitrobarite sits at Mohs 3, 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: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba(NO₃)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.250 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral crystals, massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Noted on a museum specimen, probably from a nitrate deposit
Where rockhounds find nitrobarite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chile, the exact locality not specified
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Noted on a museum specimen, probably from a nitrate deposit. If you start seeing wad in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nitrobarite?+
Mohs hardness is 3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless.
Where is nitrobarite found?+
Notable localities include Chile, the exact locality not specified.
Is nitrobarite safe to handle?+
Nitrobarite contains soluble barium. 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.
What rocks look like nitrobarite?+
Nitrobarite is most often confused with Barite, 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 Wad. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does nitrobarite form in?+
Where it forms: Noted on a museum specimen, probably from a nitrate deposit. 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.
