Studenitsite is a rare borate mineral that occurs as small, clear to white prismatic crystals. It is primarily found within evaporite-related sedimentary environments, most notably in its type locality in North Macedonia. Collectors prize it for its rarity and its role as a specialized member of the borate mineral group.
Is this studenitsite?
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 studenitsite with a known reference. Studenitsite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Studenitsite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Studenitsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, aggregates.
Often confused with
Studenitsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside studenitsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with studenitsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCa₂B₉O₁₄(OH)₄·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find studenitsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Studenica, Macedonia
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where studenitsite typically forms. If you start seeing colemanite, howlite, ulexite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find studenitsite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
