Sanbornite is a rare barium silicate mineral primarily known from the metamorphic deposits of the Big Creek area in California. Collectors look for its characteristic bright orange fluorescence under ultraviolet light and its presence in complex barium-rich assemblages.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Sanbornite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this sanbornite?

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 sanbornite with a known reference. Sanbornite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sanbornite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Sanbornite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

Sanbornite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Sanbornite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3-3.5).

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Often found alongside sanbornite

Minerals reported to co-occur with sanbornite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: BaSi₂O₅
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.75-3.78 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Fluorescence: Bright Orange Under SW and LW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Metamorphosed Barium-rich Sedimentary Rocks
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail, $50-300 cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find sanbornite

Classic worldwide localities

Rush Creek, Fresno County, California, USA
Big Creek, Fresno County, California, USA
Sakha Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed barium-rich sedimentary rocks country — that is the host setting where sanbornite typically forms. If you start seeing fresnoite, traskite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify sanbornite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is sanbornite found?+

Notable localities include Rush Creek, Fresno County, California, USA; Big Creek, Fresno County, California, USA; Sakha Republic, Russia.

How much is sanbornite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail, $50-300 cabinet specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like sanbornite?+

Sanbornite is most often confused with Wollastonite, Baryte. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with sanbornite?+

Sanbornite commonly co-occurs with Fresnoite, Traskite, Quartz, Celsian. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sanbornite form in?+

Sanbornite typically forms in metamorphosed barium-rich sedimentary rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is sanbornite used for?+

Sanbornite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find sanbornite on the map

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