Chambersite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameChambersite
Chemical FormulaMn₃B₇O₁₃Cl
Mohs Hardness4.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.5
Colorspink, reddish-brown, brownish-grey, purple-red
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityVenice Salt dome, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, USA
Mineral GroupBorates
Usescollector, scientific research
Associated Mineralshalite, sylvite, boracite, hilgardite
Rarityrare
Description
The image shows a series of small, sub-millimeter to millimeter-sized, brownish-grey to reddish-brown, somewhat triangular or pyramidal crystals arranged in a white display tray.
Geological Context
Chambersite is a rare borate mineral that forms in evaporite deposits, typically found within salt domes where specific conditions of high boron and chlorine concentrations are met.
