Ramazzoite is a rare layered double hydroxide mineral typically found in the vesicles of metamorphosed limestone xenoliths. It usually forms distinct, thin, deep-blue platy crystals that exhibit a pseudo-hexagonal shape and a perfect basal cleavage.
Is this ramazzoite?
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 ramazzoite with a known reference. Ramazzoite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ramazzoite leaves a pale blue streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ramazzoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, deep blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, pseudo-hexagonal.
Often confused with
Ramazzoite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ramazzoite leaves pale blue, Hydrotalcite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Ramazzoite and pearly on Hydrotalcite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ramazzoite leaves pale blue, Meixnerite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Ramazzoite and pearly on Meixnerite.
Often found alongside ramazzoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ramazzoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- [Mg₄Al₂(OH)₁₂]Cl₂(CO₃)·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.25 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Blue
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Pseudo-hexagonal
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Limestone Xenoliths in Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ramazzoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Caspar quarry, Ettringen, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed limestone xenoliths in volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where ramazzoite typically forms. If you start seeing ettringite, afwillite, portlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, pseudo-hexagonal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ramazzoite?+
Where is ramazzoite found?+
How much is ramazzoite worth?+
What rocks look like ramazzoite?+
What minerals are found with ramazzoite?+
What kind of rock does ramazzoite form in?+
What is ramazzoite used for?+
Find ramazzoite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
