Ernstburkeite is a rare organic mineral typically found as small, colorless tabular crystals. It is a polycyclic diterpenoid mineral often associated with deposits of amber. Because of its rarity and organic composition, it is highly prized by specialized mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Ernstburkeite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this ernstburkeite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch ernstburkeite with a known reference. Ernstburkeite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ernstburkeite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ernstburkeite typically shows a waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.

Often confused with

Ernstburkeite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

fossil

Amber

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Ernstburkeite and resinous on Amber.

How to tell apart: Amber Barite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); luster reads waxy on Ernstburkeite and vitreous on Amber Barite.

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Often found alongside ernstburkeite

Minerals reported to co-occur with ernstburkeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg(C₂₀H₂₉O₂)₂(H₂O)₂
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 1.36 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
Cleavage: None; Good Parting
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Deposits

Where rockhounds find ernstburkeite

Classic worldwide localities

Beneath the Dome Fuji station, East Antarctica, near the summit of the eastern Dronning Maud Land plateau

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary deposits country, the host setting where ernstburkeite typically forms. If you start seeing amber, glauberite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ernstburkeite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless.

Where is ernstburkeite found?+

Notable localities include Beneath the Dome Fuji station, East Antarctica, near the summit of the eastern Dronning Maud Land plateau.

What rocks look like ernstburkeite?+

Ernstburkeite is most often confused with Amber, Amber Barite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ernstburkeite?+

Ernstburkeite commonly co-occurs with Amber, Glauberite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ernstburkeite form in?+

Ernstburkeite typically forms in sedimentary deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ernstburkeite used for?+

Ernstburkeite is used in collector.

Find ernstburkeite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.