How do I identify Chambersite?

Chambersite can be identified by its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, Colorless to deep purple color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Chambersite?

Chambersite typically appears in Colorless to deep purple. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Chambersite?

Chambersite has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.

Chambersite

A variety of Minerals

What is Chambersite?

Chambersite is a manganese borate mineral with formula: Mn3B7O13Cl. It is a member of the borate mineral series that includes other minerals such as ericaite, Fe3B7O13Cl, and boracite Mg3B7O13Cl. When chambersite was first discovered, it was the second chemical analogue of boracite to be found in nature. It was discovered as a mineral at Barber's Hill salt dome in Texas in 1957 and in 1971 at the Dongshuichang deposit in Jixian, Tianjin, China. Chambersite occurs associated with the evaporite minerals halite, anhydrite, and gypsum.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.735-1.745
Birefringence: 0.01
Optical Character: Biaxial positive or negative

Chambersite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Chambersite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Chambersite Localities Map

See where Chambersite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Chambersite

Chambersite was named after the county where it was first discovered, Chambers County, Texas, US. Optical examination and x-ray powder diffraction indicated the mineral to be related to boracite but different from any other published description.

Formation of Chambersite

Chambersite minerals were first found in 1957 in brine returns from a gas storage well in the Barber's Hill salt dome. The age of the dome is not definitely known, but it is at least dates back to the Cretaceous and possibly upper Jurassic. Other chambersite deposits with this similar geologic occurrence can be found in the area of the Gulf Coast of Mexico. The Venice dome in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana is a site that has a shallow piercement salt dome, LPG storage and brine production. Other chambersite deposits can be found in the Penobsquis deposit in Southern New Brunswick, Canada, which has high grade salt deposits as well as a significant borate mineral concentration, including chambersite. Other chambersite deposits can be found as ores in Ji County, Tianjin, China, an area that is known to have had much magnetic activity and submarine volcanism in a subtidal lagoon.