Danburite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameDanburite
Chemical FormulaCaB2(SiO4)2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagepoor on {001}
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.97
Colorsorange, brown, colorless, white, yellow, pink
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityCharcas, Municipio de Charcas, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Mineral GroupSilicates (Borosilicates)
Usesjewelry, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, feldspar, fluorite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen displays a cluster of orange-brown Danburite crystals, which are heavily coated with a druzy layer of tiny, sparkling crystals, giving it a textured, mounded appearance.
Geological Context
Danburite typically forms in contact metamorphic rocks, especially those rich in boron, and in hydrothermal veins. It can also be found in evaporite deposits.
