Priceite typically occurs as chalky white, porous nodules or compact masses in lacustrine evaporite beds. It is often identified by its soft, dull, non-crystalline appearance and is frequently associated with other boron-rich minerals like colemanite and ulexite.
Is this priceite?
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 priceite with a known reference. Priceite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Priceite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Priceite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, grayish, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive, chalky, nodular, earthy.
Often confused with
Priceite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Priceite and subvitreous on Howlite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Priceite and vitreous on Magnesite.
How to tell apart: Priceite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); luster reads dull on Priceite and vitreous on Gypsum.
Often found alongside priceite
Minerals reported to co-occur with priceite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄B₁₀O₁₉·7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 2.3-2.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Chalky, Nodular, Earthy
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of Boron
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $10-50 for small nodular specimens
Where rockhounds find priceite
2 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- Turkey
- California, USA
- Oregon, USA
- Nevada, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country, the host setting where priceite typically forms. If you start seeing colemanite, ulexite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, chalky, nodular, earthy habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Oklahoma. Start trip planning there.
Common questions
How do you identify priceite?+
Where is priceite found?+
Can I find priceite in the United States?+
How much is priceite worth?+
What rocks look like priceite?+
What minerals are found with priceite?+
What kind of rock does priceite form in?+
What is priceite used for?+
Find priceite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
