Tunisite is an exceptionally rare hydrous carbonate mineral discovered in the Djebel Tir deposit of Algeria. It is most frequently found as small, pearly, platy crystals forming delicate rosettes within limestone cavities.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Tunisite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this tunisite?

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 tunisite with a known reference. Tunisite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tunisite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tunisite 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: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, rosettes.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Calcite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Tunisite and vitreous on Calcite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Tunisite and vitreous on Aragonite.

Compare →

Often found alongside tunisite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaCa₂Al₄(CO₃)₄(OH)₈·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Rosettes
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Limestone
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tunisite

Classic worldwide localities

Djebel Tir, Khenchela, Algeria

Field-hunting tip

Look in limestone country — that is the host setting where tunisite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, aragonite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, rosettes habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tunisite?+

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

Where is tunisite found?+

Notable localities include Djebel Tir, Khenchela, Algeria.

How much is tunisite 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 tunisite?+

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

What minerals are found with tunisite?+

Tunisite commonly co-occurs with calcite, aragonite, quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tunisite form in?+

Tunisite typically forms in limestone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tunisite used for?+

Tunisite is used in collector.

Find tunisite on the map

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