Strontiojoaquinite is an extremely rare member of the joaquinite group primarily found in the unique hydrothermal environments of the Benitoite Gem Mine. It typically forms small, wedge-shaped or tabular brown crystals that are almost exclusively identified through professional analysis due to their strong resemblance to other members of the joaquinite group.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareJoaquinite Group family

Strontiojoaquinite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this strontiojoaquinite?

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 strontiojoaquinite with a known reference. Strontiojoaquinite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Strontiojoaquinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Strontiojoaquinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, wedge-shaped.

Often found alongside strontiojoaquinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ba₄(Sr,Ba)₄Ti₄(SiO₄)₄(Si₂O₇)₂O₈(OH,F)₂·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.91 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Orange-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Wedge-shaped
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Glaucophane Schist
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find strontiojoaquinite

Classic worldwide localities

San Benito County, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in glaucophane schist country, the host setting where strontiojoaquinite typically forms. If you start seeing benitoite, nefedevite, serandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, wedge-shaped habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify strontiojoaquinite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, orange-brown.

Where is strontiojoaquinite found?+

Notable localities include San Benito County, California, USA.

How much is strontiojoaquinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with strontiojoaquinite?+

Strontiojoaquinite commonly co-occurs with Benitoite, Nefedevite, Serandite, Natrolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does strontiojoaquinite form in?+

Strontiojoaquinite typically forms in glaucophane schist. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is strontiojoaquinite used for?+

Strontiojoaquinite is used in collector.

Find strontiojoaquinite on the map

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