Strontio-orthojoaquinite is an extremely rare member of the joaquinite group found almost exclusively in the unique geologic environment of the Dallas Gem Mine in California. It typically occurs as tiny, honey-colored tabular crystals associated with benitoite and natrolite in serpentinite veins. Collectors value it for its limited distribution and complex crystal structure.
Is this strontio-orthojoaquinite?
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 strontio-orthojoaquinite with a known reference. Strontio-orthojoaquinite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Strontio-orthojoaquinite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Strontio-orthojoaquinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, amber.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, pseudo-hexagonal prisms.
Often confused with
Strontio-orthojoaquinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside strontio-orthojoaquinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with strontio-orthojoaquinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Sr₄FeTi₂Si₈O₂₆(OH)₂·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Pseudo-hexagonal Prisms
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Serpentinite
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find strontio-orthojoaquinite
Classic worldwide localities
- San Benito County, California, USA
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in serpentinite country — that is the host setting where strontio-orthojoaquinite typically forms. If you start seeing benitoite, nefedovite, serandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, pseudo-hexagonal prisms habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find strontio-orthojoaquinite on the map
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