Minerals & Gemstone 480x104
wpdiamonds.com



Advertising Information

Chambersite Pyramidal Crystal

The Mineral chambersite




Chambersite is a rare mineral of the boracite group, a solid solution series of chloro-borates, with Boracite, Chambersite, and Ericaite as the main members. It is the manganese-rich end member of this group. Chambersite is known for its equidimensional triangular crystals, which form in a lovely purple color but are always very small. Chambersite is named after Chambers County, Texas, where it was first discovered in 1957.
Chemical Formula Mn3B7O13Cl
Composition Manganese chloro-borate
Color Light to dark purple
Streak White
Hardness 7
Crystal System Orthorhombic
3D Crystal Atlas
(Click for animated model) 
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates		 Crystals are in tetrahedral habit, often well formed looking like a pyramid. Crystals are almost always in isolated single floater crystals that are small in size. Seldom in penetrating or connected triangular crystals. May have triangular etchings in crystal faces, and terminations may be slightly modified. Crystals convert to an orthorhombic crystal structure upon cooling after their formation, though the isometric shape of the tetrahedron is preserved.
Transparency Transparent to nearly opaque
Specific Gravity 3.5
Luster Vitreous
Cleavage None
Fracture Uneven
Tenacity Brittle
Other ID Marks Darkens upon prolonged exposure to sunlight
In Group Borates; Anhydrous Borates
Striking Features Crystal habits, hardness, and mode of occurrence
Environment In salt domes.
Rock Type Sedimentary
Popularity (1-4) 2
Prevalence (1-3) 3
Demand (1-3) 2


Chambersite AUCTIONS



USES
Chambersite is a rare collector's mineral, with its well-formed, small crystals making highly collectible specimens for thumbnail collectors.

NOTEWORTHY LOCALITIES
The two best-known occurences for Chambersite are Barbers Hill, Mont Belvieu, Chambers Co., Texas; and the Venice Salt dome, Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana.

COMMON MINERAL ASSOCIATIONS
Halite, Anhydrite, Gypsum



chambersite PHOTOS
 
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 
DISCUSSIONView Forum | Post to Forum
Have a question about Chambersite? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
PAGE SPONSOR  

To sponsor this page, click here.

Let us know how we can update this page
(Click for more details)
We strive for accurate content and locality information. If you feel any of the content is incorrect, or if you feel we are missing vital locality information, please fill out the form below so we can update the site. If you are requesting a locality be added, please only include significant locality occurences for the mineral.