Simonellite is a rare organic mineral typically found associated with carbonaceous deposits such as lignite and coal beds. It is known for its distinct bluish fluorescence under ultraviolet light and typically forms small, fragile, tabular crystals or crystalline masses.
Is this simonellite?
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 simonellite with a known reference. Simonellite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Simonellite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Simonellite typically shows a resinous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, or as crusts.
Often confused with
Simonellite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside simonellite
Minerals reported to co-occur with simonellite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- C₁₉H₂₄
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 1.08 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Or as Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Fluorescence
- Blue Under UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Lignite and Coal Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for small specimens
Where rockhounds find simonellite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tuscany, Italy
- Kentucky, USA
- Alberta, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in lignite and coal deposits country — that is the host setting where simonellite typically forms. If you start seeing sulfur, gypsum, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, or as crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find simonellite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
