Pinnoite
A variety of Minerals
What is Pinnoite?
Pinnoite is a magnesium borate mineral with formula: MgB2O(OH)6 or MgB2O4·3(H2O). It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system and occurs as colorless to yellow or light green radial fibrous clusters and rarely as short prismatic crystals. Pinnoite was first described in 1884 for an occurrence in the Stassfurt potash deposit, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany and named for the mine counselor Oberbergrat Pinno of Halle, Germany. It occurs in marine evaporite deposits and as efflorescence associated with mineral springs. It occurs with boracite and kaliborite. It also occurs in the borax mines of Death Valley in California, the Da Quidam saline lake of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in Tibet and in Socacastro, Salta Province, Argentina.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Pinnoite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Pinnoite Localities Map
See where Pinnoite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Yellow to yellow-green; yellow in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.29 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Mg[B2O(OH)6]
- Elements
- B, H, Mg, O
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Pinnoite FAQs
How do I identify Pinnoite?
Pinnoite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Yellow to yellow-green; yellow in transmitted light color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Pinnoite?
Pinnoite typically appears in Yellow to yellow-green; yellow in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Pinnoite?
Pinnoite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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