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Home > Boracite

Boracite

Photo By Robert M. Lavinsky

Boracite

Boracite

Boracite

Boracite

Boracite

A species of Boracite Group, Also known as Borate of Magnesia, Parasite, Alpha-Boracite

Boracite is a rare mineral often cut into faceted gems, but not particularly popular among collectors. It is found naturally in salt deposits, formed from seawater evaporation. It comes in several crystal habits in light shades of blue, green, yellow, gray, or white. When heated or under pressure, boracite generates an electric charge.

Hardness:

7 - 7.5

Density:

2.97 g/cm³

General Info About Boracite

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Physical Properties of Boracite

Luster

Vitreous, Adamantine

Diaphaneity

Transparent to translucent

Colors

Green, blue, colourless, grey, white, dark green (ferroan), colourless in transmitted light

Magnetism

Magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

None

Fracture

Conchoidal, Uneven

Streak

White

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Hardness

7 - 7.5 , Extremely hard

Density

2.97 g/cm³, Normal Weight

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Chemical Properties of Boracite

Chemical Classification

Borates

Formula

Mg₃(B₇O₁₃)Cl

Elements listed

B, Cl, Mg, O

Common Impurities

Fe(II)

Optical Properties of Boracite

Refractive Index

1.658-1.673

Birefringence

0.010-0.011

Pleochroism

None

Optical Character

Biaxial positive

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Rarity

Rare

Characteristics of Boracite

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Formation of Boracite

Boracite is typically found in evaporite sequences associated with gypsum, anhydrite, halite, sylvite, carnallite, kainite and hilgardite.

Cultural Significance of Boracite

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Distribution of Boracite

It was first described in 1789 for specimens from its type locality of Kalkberg hill, Lüneburg, Lower Saxony, Germany.

Etymology of Boracite

The name is derived from its boron content (19 to 20% boron by mass).

Common Questions People Also Ask

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What kind of mineral is boracite?

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What is the hardness of boracite?

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