Caresite is a rare iron aluminum carbonate that forms green-black tabular crystals. It is a late-stage hydrothermal mineral in an alkaline complex. It was first described from Poudrette quarry, Monteregian Hills, Quebec, Canada.
Is this caresite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch caresite with a known reference. Caresite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Caresite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Caresite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Caresite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside caresite
Minerals reported to co-occur with caresite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe²⁺₄Al₂(OH)₁₂(CO₃)·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.59 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
Where rockhounds find caresite
Classic worldwide localities
- Poudrette quarry, Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where caresite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify caresite?+
Where is caresite found?+
What rocks look like caresite?+
What minerals are found with caresite?+
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Find caresite on the map
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