Ramanite-(Cs) is a rare cesium borate that forms colorless platy crystals. It occurs in daughter minerals in melt and fluid inclusions. It was first described from the Il Prado vein (also known as Prato alla Valle), Campo, Island of Elba, Italy.
Is this ramanite-(cs)?
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 ramanite-(cs) with a known reference. Ramanite-(Cs) sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ramanite-(Cs) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ramanite-(Cs) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Ramanite-(Cs) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ramanite-(cs)
Minerals reported to co-occur with ramanite-(cs). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CsB₅O₆(OH)₄·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 2.230 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find ramanite-(cs)
Classic worldwide localities
- Il Prado vein (also known as Prato alla Valle), Island of Elba, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where ramanite-(cs) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, albite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ramanite-(cs)?+
Where is ramanite-(cs) found?+
What rocks look like ramanite-(cs)?+
What minerals are found with ramanite-(cs)?+
What kind of rock does ramanite-(cs) form in?+
What is ramanite-(cs) used for?+
Find ramanite-(cs) on the map
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