Tyretskite is a rare borate mineral typically found in sedimentary salt sequences and evaporite basins. Collectors should look for its tabular monoclinic crystals in saline beds, often associated with other borate species and evaporite minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareBorate family

Tyretskite

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

Is this tyretskite?

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 tyretskite with a known reference. Tyretskite 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. Tyretskite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tyretskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Priceite

Mohs 3-3.5

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

Compare →

Often found alongside tyretskite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Mg₂B₄O₈(OH)₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.98 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tyretskite

Classic worldwide localities

Irkutsk Oblast, Russia
Qaidam Basin, China

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where tyretskite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, gypum, anhydrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tyretskite?+

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

Where is tyretskite found?+

Notable localities include Irkutsk Oblast, Russia; Qaidam Basin, China.

How much is tyretskite 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 tyretskite?+

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

What minerals are found with tyretskite?+

Tyretskite commonly co-occurs with Halite, Gypum, Anhydrite, Magnesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tyretskite form in?+

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

What is tyretskite used for?+

Tyretskite is used in collector.

Find tyretskite on the map

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