Satimolite is a very rare hydrated sodium potassium aluminum borate mineral found in evaporite salt deposits. It typically forms thin tabular crystals that are difficult to distinguish from other common borates without analytical testing. Collectors mainly seek this mineral from its primary locality in the Inder salt dome of Kazakhstan.
Is this satimolite?
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 satimolite with a known reference. Satimolite sits at Mohs 1-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: earthy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: chalky white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: nodular.
Often confused with
Satimolite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside satimolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with satimolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KNa₂(Al₅Mg₂)[B₁₂O₁₈(OH)₁₂](OH)₆Cl₄(H₂O)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 1.70 g/cm³
- Colors
- Chalky white
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Nodular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In halite–polyhalite–boracite–kieserite–clay rocks
Where rockhounds find satimolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Satimola salt dome, north Caspian region, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In halite–polyhalite–boracite–kieserite–clay rocks. If you start seeing kaliborite, boracite, kieserite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: nodular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify satimolite?+
Where is satimolite found?+
What rocks look like satimolite?+
What minerals are found with satimolite?+
What kind of rock does satimolite form in?+
What is satimolite used for?+
Find satimolite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
