Rocks, Minerals & Ores
Metamorphic Rocks and Minerals
Joaquinite
Barium cerium titanium silicateDallas Gem Mine, San Benito County, CA
>>
Metamorphic Rocks and Minerals
Joaquinite is a rare and complex silicate mineral containing barium, cerium, and titanium, typically forming in low-grade metamorphosed volcanic rocks. It is often reddish-brown to orange and occurs in small but sharply formed crystals. The Dallas Gem Mine in San Benito County, California, is the type locality and one of the few places where joaquinite has been found. Its rarity and unusual chemical composition make it especially valuable to both mineralogists and collectors.