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.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareJoaquinite Group family

Orthojoaquinite-(La)

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this orthojoaquinite-(la)?

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 orthojoaquinite-(la) with a known reference. Orthojoaquinite-(La) sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Orthojoaquinite-(La) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Orthojoaquinite-(La) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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: NaBa₂LaFeTi₂Si₈O₂₆(OH)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Orange-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Glaucophane Schist Inclusions in Serpentinite
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find orthojoaquinite-(la)

Classic worldwide localities

San Benito County, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in glaucophane schist inclusions in serpentinite country — that is the host setting where orthojoaquinite-(la) typically forms. If you start seeing benitoite, neptunite, serandite 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 orthojoaquinite-(la)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, orange-brown.

Where is orthojoaquinite-(la) found?+

Notable localities include San Benito County, California, USA.

How much is orthojoaquinite-(la) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like orthojoaquinite-(la)?+

Orthojoaquinite-(La) is most often confused with Joaquinite-(Ce), Orthojoaquinite-(Ce). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with orthojoaquinite-(la)?+

Orthojoaquinite-(La) commonly co-occurs with Benitoite, Neptunite, Serandite, Natrolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does orthojoaquinite-(la) form in?+

Orthojoaquinite-(La) typically forms in glaucophane schist inclusions in serpentinite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is orthojoaquinite-(la) used for?+

Orthojoaquinite-(La) is used in collector.

Find orthojoaquinite-(la) on the map

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