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Chemical Formula | Na2B4O7 · 5H2O |
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Composition | Hydrous sodium borate |
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Color | White |
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Streak | White |
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Hardness | 1 |
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Crystal Forms and Aggregates |
(Hexagonal) Almost always as a pseudomorph after Borax, but may also be massive, grainy, and as a powder. |
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Transparency | Opaque |
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Specific Gravity | 1.88 |
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Luster | Dull |
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Cleavage | None |
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Fracture | Earthy |
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Tenacity | Brittle |
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Other ID Marks | 1) Has a sweetish, metallic taste 2) Dissolves in water |
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Other Names |  Tincal |
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In Group | Borates ; Hydrous borates |
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All About | Most Borax specimens lose water in their structure if stored in dry areas and alter
to Tincalconite. Although Tincalconite is found in a
natural state, almost all specimens were transformed from
Borax after being taken from the mine. Most Borax
specimens sold to collectors are not really Borax but
Tincalconite that has been transformed from Borax. The name Tincal in ancient times applied to the mineral Borax, but now it is synonymous with Tincalconite. |
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Uses | Commonly sold to collectors labeled "Borax". |
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Striking Features | Taste and solubility |
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Popularity (1-4) | 3 |
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Prevalence (1-3) | 2 |
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Demand (1-3) | 2 |
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Distinguishing Similar Minerals |
Tincalconite's unusual properties distinguish it from all minerals. However, it appears as Borax, and is commonly sold as Borax. |
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Commonly Occurs With |
Borax, Ulexite, Kernite, Halite, Thenardite |
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Noteworthy Localities |
Tincalconite is found most significantly at Boron, Kern Co., California. It occurs in several other Borax localities, but always as a pseudomorph of Borax. |
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Picture Icon Links |
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Picture Links | Sorry. No Images currently available. |
