Palygorskite is a unique phyllosilicate mineral characterized by its distinctive leather-like or cork-like fibrous texture. Collectors often find it in layered, matted masses within sedimentary clay beds where it forms via chemical precipitation in saline environments.
Is this palygorskite?
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 palygorskite with a known reference. Palygorskite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Palygorskite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Palygorskite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray, yellowish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous, massive, or felted mat-like masses.
Often confused with
Palygorskite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside palygorskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with palygorskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₅Si₈O₂₀(OH)₂·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.0-2.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Massive, Or Felted Mat-like Masses
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Industrial, Collector, Drilling Mud Additive
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Clay Deposits and Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $5-30 per specimen
Where rockhounds find palygorskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Attapulgus, Georgia, USA
- Spain
- Senegal
- China
- Turkey
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary clay deposits and hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where palygorskite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, montmorillonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, massive, or felted mat-like masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify palygorskite?+
Where is palygorskite found?+
How much is palygorskite worth?+
What rocks look like palygorskite?+
What minerals are found with palygorskite?+
What kind of rock does palygorskite form in?+
What is palygorskite used for?+
Find palygorskite on the map
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