Schaurteite is a very rare member of the ettringite group, occurring almost exclusively at the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia. It typically forms delicate, needle-like or prismatic crystals in oxidized zones of ore deposits and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its scarcity.
Is this schaurteite?
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 schaurteite with a known reference. Schaurteite 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. Schaurteite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Schaurteite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: acicular or prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Schaurteite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside schaurteite
Minerals reported to co-occur with schaurteite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₃Ge(SO₄)(OH)₆·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 1.89 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {10-10}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Hydrothermal Polymetallic Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality
Where rockhounds find schaurteite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tsumeb Mine, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized hydrothermal polymetallic ore deposits country, the host setting where schaurteite typically forms. If you start seeing tsumcorite, mimetite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify schaurteite?+
Where is schaurteite found?+
How much is schaurteite worth?+
What rocks look like schaurteite?+
What minerals are found with schaurteite?+
What kind of rock does schaurteite form in?+
What is schaurteite used for?+
Find schaurteite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
