Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 25, 2026

Hydroboracite

Hydroboracite is a hydrated borate mineral (hence the name) of calcium and magnesium, whose chemical composition is CaMgB6O8(OH)6·3H2O. It was discovered in 1834 in the Inder lake, Atyrau Province, Kazakhstan. Hydroboracite is a minor borate ore mineral.

Last revised
Jun 25, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
128 w
Citations
3
Source
Hydroboracite
General
CategoryInoborates
FormulaCaMgB6O8(OH)6·3H2O
IMA symbolHbo1
Strunz classification6.CB.15
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupP2/c
Unit cella = 11.76, b = 6.68
c = 8.23 [Å]; β = 102.59°; Z = 2
Identification
ColourColourless, white
Mohs scale hardness2
LusterVitreous, silky
DiaphaneityTransparent
Optical propertiesBiaxial (+)
Refractive indexnα = 1.520 – 1.523 nβ = 1.534 – 1.535 nγ = 1.569 – 1.571
Birefringenceδ = 0.049
2V angleMeasured: 60° to 66°, calculated: 62° to 66°
DispersionRelatively weak
SolubilityVery poorly soluble in cold water. Partially dissolved by prolonged submersion in boiling water.
References23

Hydroboracite is a hydrated borate mineral (hence the name) of calcium and magnesium, whose chemical composition is CaMgB6O8(OH)6·3H2O. It was discovered in 1834 in the Inder lake, Atyrau Province, Kazakhstan. Hydroboracite is a minor borate ore mineral.

References

References