Satimolite is a very rare hydrated sodium potassium aluminum borate mineral found in evaporite salt deposits. It typically forms thin tabular crystals that are difficult to distinguish from other common borates without analytical testing. Collectors mainly seek this mineral from its primary locality in the Inder salt dome of Kazakhstan.
Is this satimolite?
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 satimolite with a known reference. Satimolite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Satimolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Satimolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Satimolite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside satimolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with satimolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaKAl₂B₆O₁₅·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find satimolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Inder boron deposit, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where satimolite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, gypsum, boracite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find satimolite on the map
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