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 — that is 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
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Find schaurteite on the map
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