Mindat Logo
Home Page Log In Message Board The Mindat Directory
Register Search Pages Chat Now! (2 online) Mindat Auctions

Priceite

Big Photo

Chetko, Curry Co., Oregon, USA
© John Sobolewski

Show Priceite Photos (2)
Formula:
Ca
 
2
B
 
5
O
 
7
(OH)
 
5
·H
 
2
O
System:MonoclinicColour:White; colourless in ...
Hardness:3 - 3½
Name:Named for Thomas Price (b.1837), a San Francisco metallurgist who first analyzed the mineral.


Occurs as nodules or irregular masses; soft and chalky, to hard, compact and tough with porcellanous texture and sub-conchoidal fracture.

Classification of Priceite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:5/H.16-10
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:6.EB.25

6 : BORATES
E : Pentaborates
B : Ino-pentaborates
Dana 8th edition ID:25.5.1.1

25 : ANHYDROUS BORATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
5 : Pentaborates
Hey's CIM Ref.:9.3.18

9 : Borates
3 : Borates of Ca and Sr
mindat.org URL:http://www.mindat.org/min-3281.html
Please feel free to link to this page.

Type Occurrence of Priceite

Type Locality:Chetko, Curry Co., Oregon, USA
General Appearance of Type Material:Compact and as roundish masses to several hundred pounds (100 kg ?)
Year of Discovery:1873
Geological Setting of type material:Hot spring (?)
Associated Minerals at type locality:
Aragonite

Occurrences of Priceite

Geological Setting:Evaporite deposits.

Physical Properties of Priceite

Lustre:Earthy
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Transparent
Colour:White; colourless in transmitted light
Hardness (Mohs):3 - 3½
Fracture:Irregular/Uneven, Conchoidal
Density (measured):2.42 g/cm3

Crystallography of Priceite

Crystal System:Monoclinic
Class (H-M):2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:P21/b (P1 1 21/b) [P21/c] {P1 21/c 1} {P21/a}
Cell Parameters:a = 11.623Å, b = 6.976Å, c = 12.35Å
β = 110.7°
Ratio:a:b:c = 1.666 : 1 : 1.77
Unit Cell Volume:V 936.72 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:4
Morphology:Nodules and irregular masses. Compact and tough, chalky to hard.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
Image Loading

Radiation - Copper Kα
Data Set:
Horizontal Axis: ° to ° Vertical Axis: % Source Data: Filtered Data: Peaks:
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
d-spacingIntensity
10.92 (100)
3.63 (100)
5.46 (80)
3.49 (70)
2.72 (60)
2.18 (50)
4.29 (40)
5.99 (20)
2.88 (20)
2.33 (20)
2.16 (20)
1.94 (20)
1.82 (20)
Comments:Data from Kramer & Allen Am. Min. vol.41 (1956) [JCPDS card 9-147]

Optical Data of Priceite

Type:Biaxial (-)
RI values: nα = 1.571 - 1.573 nβ = 1.590 - 1.591 nγ = 1.593 - 1.594
2V:Measured: 32° to 44°, Calculated: 42° to 44°
Birefringence:0.022
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.022

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Moderate
Dispersion:r < v strong

Chemical Properties of Priceite

Formula:
Ca
 
2
B
 
5
O
 
7
(OH)
 
5
·H
 
2
O
Essential elements:B, C, H, O
All elements listed in formula:B, Ca, H, O

Relationship of Priceite to other Species

Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
6.EB.05Larderellite
(NH
 
4
)B
 
5
O
 
6
(OH)
 
4
6.EB.10Ezcurrite
Na
 
4
B
 
10
O
 
17
·7H
 
2
O
6.EB.15Probertite
NaCaB
 
5
O
 
7
(OH)
 
4
·3H
 
2
O
6.EB.20Tertschite
Ca
 
4
B
 
10
O
 
19
·20H
 
2
O
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
9.3.1Calciborite
Ca[B
 
2
O
 
4
]
9.3.2Sibirskite
Ca
 
2
[B
 
2
O
 
5
] · H
 
2
O
9.3.3Fabianite
CaB
 
3
O
 
5
OH
9.3.4Uralborite
Ca
 
2
[B
 
3
O
 
3
(OH)
 
5
·OB(OH)
 
3
]
9.3.5Vimsite
CaB
 
2
O
 
2
(OH)
 
4
9.3.6Olshanskyite
Ca
 
3
[OH|{B(OH)
 
4
}
 
2
]
 
2
9.3.7Frolovite
Ca[B(OH)
 
4
]
 
2
9.3.8Korzhinskite
CaB
 
2
O
 
4
·H
 
2
O
9.3.9Tyretskite
Ca
 
2
B
 
5
O
 
9
OH·H
 
2
O
9.3.10Nifontovite
CaB
 
2
O
 
4
·2.3H
 
2
O
9.3.12Inyoite
Ca(H
 
4
B
 
3
O
 
7
)(OH) · 4H
 
2
O
9.3.13Gowerite
Ca[B
 
5
O
 
8
(OH)][B(OH)
 
3
]·3H
 
2
O
9.3.14Colemanite
Ca[B
 
3
O
 
4
(OH)
 
3
] · H
 
2
O
9.3.15Pentahydroborite
CaB
 
2
O(OH)
 
6
 · 2H
 
2
O
9.3.16Hexahydroborite
Ca[B(OH)
 
4
]
 
2
 · 6H
 
2
O
9.3.17Meyerhofferite
Ca
 
2
(H
 
3
B
 
3
O
 
7
)
 
2
 · 4H
 
2
O
9.3.19Ginorite
Ca
 
2
B
 
14
O
 
23
·8H
 
2
O
9.3.20Probertite
NaCaB
 
5
O
 
7
(OH)
 
4
·3H
 
2
O
9.3.21Ulexite
NaCa[B
 
5
O
 
6
(OH)
 
6
] · 5H
 
2
O
9.3.22Hydroboracite
CaMg[B
 
3
O
 
4
(OH)
 
3
]
 
2
 · 3H
 
2
O
9.3.23Inderborite
CaMg(H
 
3
B
 
3
O
 
7
)
 
2
 · 8H
 
2
O
9.3.24Wardsmithite
Ca
 
5
Mg[B
 
4
O
 
7
]
 
6
 · 30H
 
2
O
9.3.25Henmilite
Ca
 
2
Cu[(OH)
 
2
|B(OH)
 
4
]
 
2
9.3.26Strontioborite
SrB
 
8
O
 
11
(OH)
 
4
9.3.27Veatchite
Sr
 
2
B
 
11
O
 
16
(OH)
 
5
·H
 
2
O
9.3.28Veatchite-A
Sr
 
2
B
 
11
O
 
16
(OH)
 
5
·H
 
2
O
9.3.29 P-Veatchite
9.3.30 Balavinskite
Sr
 
2
B
 
6
O
 
11
·4H
 
2
O
9.3.31Tunellite
SrB
 
6
O
 
9
(OH)
 
2
·3H
 
2
O
9.3.32Strontioginorite
(Sr,Ca)
 
2
B
 
14
O
 
23
·8H
 
2
O

Other Names for Priceite

Synonyms:
Pandermite
Other Languages:
German:Priceit
Russian:Прайсеит
Spanish:Priceita

Other Information

Other Information:Insoluble in water. Readily soluble in acids.

Alters to colemanite and calcite.
Health Warning:No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

References for Priceite

Reference List:Chase (1873) American Journal of Science: 5: 287 (as Cryptomorphite).

Silliman, Benjamin, Jr. (1873), Mineralogical notes on Utah, California, and Nevada, with a description of priceite a new borate of lime: American Journal of Science, 3rd. series: 6: 126-133; …Engineering and Mining Journal: 16: 82, 98-99.

von Rath (1877) Ber. Niederhein. Ges.: 193 (as Pandermite).

Whitfield (1887) American Journal of Science: 34: 283.

Schultze analysis in: Kraut (1897) Zs. Anal. Chem.: 36: 165.

van't Hoff (1906) Akademie der Wissenschaften, Berlin (Sitzungsberichte der): 572.

Larsen, E.S. (1917), Proof that priceite is a distinct mineral species, American Mineralogist: 2: 1.

Linck (1923) Centralblatt für Mineralogie, Geologie und Paleontologie, Stuttgart: 193.

Foshag, W.F. (1924) American Mineralogist: 9: 11.

Foshag, W.F. (1939), New mineral names – priceite, American Mineralogist: 24: 728.

Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 7th edition, revised and enlarged: 341-343.

Kramer, H.C. & R.D. Allen (1956), A restudy of bakerite, priceite, and veatchite, American Mineralogist: 41: 689-700.

Canadian Mineralogist (1981): 19: 291.

Grew, E.S., and Anovitz, L.M. (1996) BORON: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry, second edition, as revised (2002).

Articles/Blogs about Priceite

Internet Links for Priceite

Search Engines:
  • Look for Priceite on Google
  • Look for Priceite images on Google
    • External Links:
  • Look for Priceite on Webmineral
  • Look for Priceite on Athena Mineralogy
  • Look for Priceite on Wikipedia
  • Look for Priceite on Mineralien Atlas
  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Search for Priceite in the Natural History Museum (London) online catalogue
  • Priceite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
    • Mineral Dealers:
  • Lapis Mineral Magazin
  • Rare and Unusual minerals at Mineralogical Research Company
  • Wendel Minerals - Auktion & Shop
  • Search for - Priceite - on e-Rocks Mineral Sales & Auctions
  • Buy from David K Joyce minerals
  • Buy fine minerals and gemstones from Pala International
  • The Arkenstone - Fine Minerals
  • Mineral Classics - Worldwide Collector Quality Minerals and Gems
  • Fine Minerals from Dan Weinrich Minerals
  • Fabre Minerals - search for Priceite specimens
  • Find Priceite on www.crystalclassics.co.uk
  • Buy minerals from Mineralium.com
    • Jobs:
  • Mining & Geology Jobs

    • Page Sponsor

    Sponsorship:This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.

    Localities for Priceite

    Hide Locality List
    The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
    These maps work faster with Firefox!
    (TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
    Canada
     
    • New Brunswick
      • Kings Co.
        • Sussex
          • Cardwell Parish
            • Penobsquis
    		Canadian Mineralogist (1981): 19: 291-301.
    Germany
     
    • Saxony
      • Erzgebirge
        • Schwarzenberg District
          • Pöhla
    		Wittern: "Mineralfundorte in Deutschland", 2001
    Kazakhstan
     
    • Atyrau Oblysy (Atyrau Oblast')
      • Atyrau (Gur'yev)
    		World of Stones #1
    Russia
     
    • Eastern-Siberian Region
      • Transbaikalia (Zabaykalye)
        • Buriatia (Buryatia) Republic
          • Vitim Plateau
    		Lapis 29(1), 47 (2004)
    Turkey
     
    • Central Anatolia Region
      • Eskisehir Province
    		CAHIT HELVACI & RICARDO N. ALONSO (2000) Borate Deposits of Turkey and Argentina; A Summary and Geological Comparison. Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 9, 2000, pp. 1-27
    • Marmara Region
      • Balikesir Province
        • Bandirma (Panderma)
    		Schortmann's Minerals specimen, 1950.
        • Bigadiç
    		CAHIT HELVACI & RICARDO N. ALONSO (2000) Borate Deposits of Turkey and Argentina; A Summary and Geological Comparison. Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 9, 2000, pp. 1-27
        • Faras
          • Sultancayin
    		CAHIT HELVACI & RICARDO N. ALONSO (2000) Borate Deposits of Turkey and Argentina; A Summary and Geological Comparison. Turkish Journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 9, 2000, pp. 1-27
        • Sultancayir (Sultan Tschair)
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 342.
    UK
     
    • England
      • Devon
        • Okehampton area (Northern Dartmoor)
    USA
     
    • California
      • Inyo Co.
        • Death Valley
          • 20 Mule Team Canyon
    		AmMin (1965) 50:629-640
          • Furnace Creek District
            • Black Mts
    		www.mineralsocal.org
    American Mineralogist (1979): 64(3-4): 369-375.
    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 359.
    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 342.
      • Los Angeles Co.
        • Lang
          • Tick Canyon
    		www.mineralsocal.org
    • Oklahoma
      • Blaine Co.
        • Southard
    • Oregon
      • Curry Co.
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 342.
    Mineral and/or Locality
    Google
     
    www.mindat.org Web
    Copyright © Jolyon & Ida Ralph 1993-2008. Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them.Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register.