Reedmergnerite is a rare boron-bearing member of the feldspar group, structurally similar to albite but with boron substituting for aluminum. It is most famous for its occurrences as small, transparent crystals within the oil shales of the Green River Formation in Utah. Collectors typically look for it in micro-mounts or small specimens from alkaline environments.
Is this reedmergnerite?
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 reedmergnerite with a known reference. Reedmergnerite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Reedmergnerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Reedmergnerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, blocky.
Often confused with
Reedmergnerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside reedmergnerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with reedmergnerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaBSi₃O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.66 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Blocky
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}, Good On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporitic Oil Shale, Alkaline Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find reedmergnerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Green River Formation, Utah, USA
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporitic oil shale, alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where reedmergnerite typically forms. If you start seeing analcime, searlesite, shortite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, blocky habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify reedmergnerite?+
Where is reedmergnerite found?+
How much is reedmergnerite worth?+
What rocks look like reedmergnerite?+
What minerals are found with reedmergnerite?+
What kind of rock does reedmergnerite form in?+
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Find reedmergnerite on the map
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