Strontioginorite is an extremely rare strontium-dominant member of the ginorite group found in evaporite basins. Collectors typically find it as small, white to colorless micaceous or tabular crystal aggregates associated with other borate minerals.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGinorite Group family

Strontioginorite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this strontioginorite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch strontioginorite with a known reference. Strontioginorite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Strontioginorite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Strontioginorite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular, micaceous aggregates.

Often confused with

Strontioginorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Strontioginorite and dull on Priceite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Strontioginorite and subvitreous on Howlite.

Compare →

Often found alongside strontioginorite

Minerals reported to co-occur with strontioginorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Sr,Ca)₂B₁₄O₂₃·8H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.16 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Tabular, Micaceous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits, Borate Beds
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find strontioginorite

Classic worldwide localities

Sarnano, Italy
Boron, USA
Kestel, Turkey

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits, borate beds country — that is the host setting where strontioginorite typically forms. If you start seeing ginorite, gypsum, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify strontioginorite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is strontioginorite found?+

Notable localities include Sarnano, Italy; Boron, USA; Kestel, Turkey.

How much is strontioginorite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like strontioginorite?+

Strontioginorite is most often confused with Ginorite, Priceite, Howlite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with strontioginorite?+

Strontioginorite commonly co-occurs with Ginorite, Gypsum, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does strontioginorite form in?+

Strontioginorite typically forms in evaporite deposits, borate beds. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is strontioginorite used for?+

Strontioginorite is used in collector.

Find strontioginorite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.