Searlesite
A variety of Minerals
What is Searlesite?
Searlesite is a sodium borosilicate mineral, with the chemical formula NaBSi2O5(OH)2. It was discovered in 1914 at Searles Lake, California, and was named to honor John W. Searles (16 November 1828 - 7 October 1897), California pioneer, who drilled the well that yielded the first known Searlesite. Searlesite is usually found disseminated in fine-grained lacustrine strata and often associated with altering volcanic ash. It may be a minor component of borate deposits, but it is rarely found concentrated or in megascopic crystals and so has not been developed as an ore mineral of boron. It occurs interbedded with oil shales or marls (Green River Formation, US) and in boron-bearing evaporite deposits (California, US); rarely in vugs in phonolite (Point of Rocks, New Mexico).
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Searlesite 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.
Searlesite Localities Map
See where Searlesite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- White, light brown
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.46 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Na(H2BSi2O7)
- Elements
- B, H, Na, O, Si
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Searlesite FAQs
How do I identify Searlesite?
Searlesite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, White color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Searlesite?
Searlesite typically appears in White, light brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Searlesite?
Searlesite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
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