Orthojoaquinite-(La) is an exceptionally rare member of the joaquinite group, primarily found in the gem-rich hydrothermal veins of the Idria mining district in California. It typically forms small, brownish-yellow tabular crystals associated with benitoite and neptunite. Collectors prize it for its unique chemistry and strictly limited type locality.
Is this orthojoaquinite-(la)?
4-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 orthojoaquinite-(la) with a known reference. Orthojoaquinite-(La) sits at Mohs ~5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: silky.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Orthojoaquinite-(La) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside orthojoaquinite-(la)
Minerals reported to co-occur with orthojoaquinite-(la). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaBa₂FeLa₂Ti₂(SiO₃)₈O₂(OH,O,F)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~5
- Density
- 4.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Luster
- Silky
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Good on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the intermediate zone of nepheline-sodalite syenite pegmatite in an alkaline igneous complex
Where rockhounds find orthojoaquinite-(la)
Classic worldwide localities
- Ilímaussaq alkaline complex, on the right bank of the Narsaq River at the foot of Kvanefjeld Mountain, south Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the intermediate zone of nepheline-sodalite syenite pegmatite in an alkaline igneous complex. If you start seeing riebeckite, analcime, sodalite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify orthojoaquinite-(la)?+
Where is orthojoaquinite-(la) found?+
What rocks look like orthojoaquinite-(la)?+
What minerals are found with orthojoaquinite-(la)?+
What kind of rock does orthojoaquinite-(la) form in?+
What is orthojoaquinite-(la) used for?+
Find orthojoaquinite-(la) on the map
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