Ramanite-(Rb) is a rare rubidium borate that forms colorless rounded 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-(rb)?
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-(rb) with a known reference. Ramanite-(Rb) sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ramanite-(Rb) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ramanite-(Rb) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: rounded crystals.
Often confused with
Ramanite-(Rb) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Ramanite-(Rb) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Ramanite-(Rb) leaves white, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Ramanite-(Rb) and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Ramanite-(Rb) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Ramanite-(Rb) leaves white, Torbernite leaves pale green.
Often found alongside ramanite-(rb)
Minerals reported to co-occur with ramanite-(rb). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- RbB₅O₆(OH)₄·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 1.949 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Rounded Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find ramanite-(rb)
Classic worldwide localities
- Il Prado vein (also known as Prato alla Valle), Island of Elba, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in pegmatites country, the host setting where ramanite-(rb) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, uraninite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rounded crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ramanite-(rb)?+
Where is ramanite-(rb) found?+
What rocks look like ramanite-(rb)?+
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Find ramanite-(rb) on the map
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