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.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Studenitsite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this studenitsite?

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 studenitsite with a known reference. Studenitsite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Studenitsite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Studenitsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

mineral

Ulexite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Studenitsite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); luster reads vitreous on Studenitsite and silky on Ulexite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Studenitsite and dull on Priceite.

Compare →

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
Colors: White Colorless
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, 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

How do you identify studenitsite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is studenitsite found?+

Notable localities include Studenica, Macedonia.

How much is studenitsite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like studenitsite?+

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

What minerals are found with studenitsite?+

Studenitsite commonly co-occurs with Colemanite, Howlite, Ulexite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does studenitsite form in?+

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

What is studenitsite used for?+

Studenitsite is used in collector.

Find studenitsite on the map

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