Uralborite is a rare calcium borate mineral primarily found within skarn deposits in contact metamorphic zones. It typically occurs in massive or granular forms and is most notable for its origin in the iron-rich skarn systems of the Ural Mountains.
Is this uralborite?
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 uralborite with a known reference. Uralborite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Uralborite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Uralborite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular to massive, occasionally as small prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Uralborite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside uralborite
Minerals reported to co-occur with uralborite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca[B₂O₃(OH)₂]
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.84 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to Massive, Occasionally as Small Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find uralborite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ural Mountains, Russia
- Tayozhnoye iron deposit, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where uralborite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, ludwigite, kotoite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to massive, occasionally as small prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find uralborite on the map
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