A former B-borate-salt-Hg occurrence/mine located in sec. 35, T25S, R40E, MDM, 7.9 km (4.9 miles) N of China Lake (town), on the W side of China Lake dry lake, on military reservation land. MRDS database stated accuracy for this location is 100 meters.

Mineralization is hosted in lacustrine sediments (clay, mud, and evaporites). Local rocks include Quaternary alluvium and marine deposits.

Related tectonic structures include the basin and range province.

Select Mineral List Type

Standard Detailed Gallery Strunz Chemical Elements

Mineral List

ⓘ Analcime

ⓘ Borax

ⓘ 'Clinoptilolite Subgroup'

ⓘ 'Erionite Subgroup'

ⓘ Gaylussite

ⓘ Halite

ⓘ 'Phillipsite Subgroup'

ⓘ Searlesite

ⓘ Ulexite

6 valid minerals.

Detailed Mineral List:

ⓘ Analcime

Formula: Na(AlSi₂O₆) · H₂O

Description: Occurs in clay and tuff layers.

References:

Hay, Richard Le Roy & Richard J. Moiola (1963), Authigenic silicate minerals in three desert lakes of eastern California (abstract): Program New York Meeting, Geological Society of America: 76A

Moiola, Richard J. & Richard L. Hay (1964), Zeolite zones in Pleistocene and recent sediments of China Lake, California (abstract): Geological Society of America, Cordilleran Section Meeting, Berkeley, California: 47, April 1963

[…Geological Society of America Special Paper 76: 215 (1964)]: 47

Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 71.

ⓘ Borax

Formula: Na₂(B₄O₅)(OH)₄ · 8H₂O

References:

Bailey, Gilbert E. (1902) The Saline Deposits of California. Bulletin 24. California State Mining Bureaup.50

Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 109.

ⓘ 'Clinoptilolite Subgroup'

Formula: (Na/Ca/K)_3-6[Al_6-7Si_29-30O₇₂] · 20H₂O

References:

Hay, Richard L. (1964) Phillipsite of saline lakes and soils. American Mineralogist, 49 (9-10) 1366-1387 p.1367

[…Geological Society of America Special Paper 76: 215 (1964)]: 47

Hay, Richard Le Roy (1966) Zeolites and zeolitic reactions in sedimentary rocks: Geological Society of America Special Paper 85, 130 p.: 35

Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 151

ⓘ 'Erionite Subgroup'

Formula: M₂[Al₄Si₁₄O₃₆] · 15H₂O

Description: Occurs in tuffaceous layers with zeolites and gaylussite.

References:

Hay, Richard Le Roy & Richard J. Moiola (1963), Authigenic silicate minerals in three desert lakes of eastern California (abstract): Program New York Meeting, Geological Society of America: 76A

[…Geological Society of America Special Paper 76: 215 (1964)]: 47

Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 179

ⓘ Gaylussite

Formula: Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂ · 5H₂O

Description: Occurs in clay and tuff layers.

References:

Smith, George Irving & W.P. Pratt (1957), Core logs from Owens, China, Searles and Panamint Basins, California: USGS Bulletin 1045-A: 16

Hay, Richard Le Roy & Richard J. Moiola (1963), Authigenic silicate minerals in three desert lakes of eastern California (abstract): Program New York Meeting, Geological Society of America: 76A

[…Geological Society of America Special Paper 76: 215 (1964)]: 47

Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 71, 151, 287.

ⓘ Halite

Formula: NaCl

References:

(2005) Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS), US Geological Survey.

ⓘ 'Phillipsite Subgroup'

Formula: (Ca_0.5,K,Na,Ba_0.5)_4-7[Al_4-7Si_12-9O₃₂] ^. 12H₂O

Description: Occurs in tuffaceous layers.

References:

Hay, Richard Le Roy & Richard J. Moiola (1963), Authigenic silicate minerals in three desert lakes of eastern California (abstract): Program New York Meeting, Geological Society of America: 76A

Hay, Richard L. (1964) Phillipsite of saline lakes and soils. American Mineralogist, 49 (9-10) 1366-1387 p.1367

[…Geological Society of America Special Paper 76: 215 (1964)]: 47

Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 287

ⓘ Searlesite

Formula: Na(H₂BSi₂O₇)

Description: Occurs in tuffs and tuffaceous clays of the lake.

References:

Hay, Richard Le Roy (1966) Zeolites and zeolitic reactions in sedimentary rocks: Geological Society of America Special Paper 85, 130 p.: 35

Pemberton, H. Earl (1983) Minerals of California. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company Inc.

ⓘ Ulexite

Formula: NaCa[B₅O₆(OH)₆] · 5H₂O

References:

(2005) Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS), US Geological Survey.

Gallery:

List of minerals arranged by Strunz 10th Edition classification

Group 3 - Halides
ⓘ	Halite	3.AA.20	NaCl
Group 5 - Nitrates and Carbonates
ⓘ	Gaylussite	5.CB.35	Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂ · 5H₂O
Group 6 - Borates
ⓘ	Borax	6.DA.10	Na₂(B₄O₅)(OH)₄ · 8H₂O
ⓘ	Ulexite	6.EA.25	NaCa[B₅O₆(OH)₆] · 5H₂O
Group 9 - Silicates
ⓘ	Searlesite	9.EF.15	Na(H₂BSi₂O₇)
ⓘ	Analcime	9.GB.05	Na(AlSi₂O₆) · H₂O
Unclassified
ⓘ	'Clinoptilolite Subgroup'	-	(Na/Ca/K)_3-6[Al_6-7Si_29-30O₇₂] · 20H₂O
ⓘ	'Erionite Subgroup'	-	M₂[Al₄Si₁₄O₃₆] · 15H₂O
ⓘ	'Phillipsite Subgroup'	-	(Ca_0.5,K,Na,Ba_0.5)_4-7[Al_4-7Si_12-9O₃₂] ^. 12H₂O

List of minerals for each chemical element

H	Hydrogen
H	ⓘ Analcime	Na(AlSi₂O₆) · H₂O
H	ⓘ Borax	Na₂(B₄O₅)(OH)₄ · 8H₂O
H	ⓘ Clinoptilolite Subgroup	(Na/Ca/K)_3-6[Al_6-7Si_29-30O₇₂] · 20H₂O
H	ⓘ Erionite Subgroup	M₂[Al₄Si₁₄O₃₆] · 15H₂O
H	ⓘ Gaylussite	Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂ · 5H₂O
H	ⓘ Phillipsite Subgroup	(Ca_0.5,K,Na,Ba_0.5)_4-7[Al_4-7Si_12-9O₃₂] ^. 12H₂O
H	ⓘ Searlesite	Na(H₂BSi₂O₇)
H	ⓘ Ulexite	NaCa[B₅O₆(OH)₆] · 5H₂O
B	Boron
B	ⓘ Borax	Na₂(B₄O₅)(OH)₄ · 8H₂O
B	ⓘ Searlesite	Na(H₂BSi₂O₇)
B	ⓘ Ulexite	NaCa[B₅O₆(OH)₆] · 5H₂O
C	Carbon
C	ⓘ Gaylussite	Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂ · 5H₂O
O	Oxygen
O	ⓘ Analcime	Na(AlSi₂O₆) · H₂O
O	ⓘ Borax	Na₂(B₄O₅)(OH)₄ · 8H₂O
O	ⓘ Clinoptilolite Subgroup	(Na/Ca/K)_3-6[Al_6-7Si_29-30O₇₂] · 20H₂O
O	ⓘ Erionite Subgroup	M₂[Al₄Si₁₄O₃₆] · 15H₂O
O	ⓘ Gaylussite	Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂ · 5H₂O
O	ⓘ Phillipsite Subgroup	(Ca_0.5,K,Na,Ba_0.5)_4-7[Al_4-7Si_12-9O₃₂] ^. 12H₂O
O	ⓘ Searlesite	Na(H₂BSi₂O₇)
O	ⓘ Ulexite	NaCa[B₅O₆(OH)₆] · 5H₂O
Na	Sodium
Na	ⓘ Analcime	Na(AlSi₂O₆) · H₂O
Na	ⓘ Borax	Na₂(B₄O₅)(OH)₄ · 8H₂O
Na	ⓘ Clinoptilolite Subgroup	(Na/Ca/K)_3-6[Al_6-7Si_29-30O₇₂] · 20H₂O
Na	ⓘ Gaylussite	Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂ · 5H₂O
Na	ⓘ Halite	NaCl
Na	ⓘ Phillipsite Subgroup	(Ca_0.5,K,Na,Ba_0.5)_4-7[Al_4-7Si_12-9O₃₂] ^. 12H₂O
Na	ⓘ Searlesite	Na(H₂BSi₂O₇)
Na	ⓘ Ulexite	NaCa[B₅O₆(OH)₆] · 5H₂O
Al	Aluminium
Al	ⓘ Analcime	Na(AlSi₂O₆) · H₂O
Al	ⓘ Clinoptilolite Subgroup	(Na/Ca/K)_3-6[Al_6-7Si_29-30O₇₂] · 20H₂O
Al	ⓘ Erionite Subgroup	M₂[Al₄Si₁₄O₃₆] · 15H₂O
Al	ⓘ Phillipsite Subgroup	(Ca_0.5,K,Na,Ba_0.5)_4-7[Al_4-7Si_12-9O₃₂] ^. 12H₂O
Si	Silicon
Si	ⓘ Analcime	Na(AlSi₂O₆) · H₂O
Si	ⓘ Clinoptilolite Subgroup	(Na/Ca/K)_3-6[Al_6-7Si_29-30O₇₂] · 20H₂O
Si	ⓘ Erionite Subgroup	M₂[Al₄Si₁₄O₃₆] · 15H₂O
Si	ⓘ Phillipsite Subgroup	(Ca_0.5,K,Na,Ba_0.5)_4-7[Al_4-7Si_12-9O₃₂] ^. 12H₂O
Si	ⓘ Searlesite	Na(H₂BSi₂O₇)
Cl	Chlorine
Cl	ⓘ Halite	NaCl
K	Potassium
K	ⓘ Clinoptilolite Subgroup	(Na/Ca/K)_3-6[Al_6-7Si_29-30O₇₂] · 20H₂O
K	ⓘ Phillipsite Subgroup	(Ca_0.5,K,Na,Ba_0.5)_4-7[Al_4-7Si_12-9O₃₂] ^. 12H₂O
Ca	Calcium
Ca	ⓘ Clinoptilolite Subgroup	(Na/Ca/K)_3-6[Al_6-7Si_29-30O₇₂] · 20H₂O
Ca	ⓘ Gaylussite	Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂ · 5H₂O
Ca	ⓘ Phillipsite Subgroup	(Ca_0.5,K,Na,Ba_0.5)_4-7[Al_4-7Si_12-9O₃₂] ^. 12H₂O
Ca	ⓘ Ulexite	NaCa[B₅O₆(OH)₆] · 5H₂O
Ba	Barium
Ba	ⓘ Phillipsite Subgroup	(Ca_0.5,K,Na,Ba_0.5)_4-7[Al_4-7Si_12-9O₃₂] ^. 12H₂O

Other Databases

Link to USGS MRDS:	10040709

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

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North America PlateTectonic Plate

This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary.

References

(n.d.) Minerals Availability System (MAS), U.S. Bureau of Mines.file #0060290931

Bailey, Gilbert E. (1902) The Saline Deposits of California. Bulletin 24. California State Mining Bureaup.50

Smith, George Irving & W.P. Pratt (1957), Core logs from Owens, China, Searles and Panamint Basins, California: USGS Bulletin 1045-A: 16

Troxel, Bennie W., Morton, Paul K. (1962) Mines and Mineral Resources of Kern County California. County Report 1. California Division of Mines and Geologyp.66

Hay, Richard Le Roy & Richard J. Moiola (1963), Authigenic silicate minerals in three desert lakes of eastern California (abstract): Program New York Meeting, Geological Society of America: 76A

Hay, Richard L. (1964) Phillipsite of saline lakes and soils. American Mineralogist, 49 (9-10) 1366-1387 pages 1367, 1369

Holmes, Jr., G.W. (1965), Mercury in California: in: U.S. Bureau of Mines Information Circular 8252

Hay, Richard Le Roy (1966) Zeolites and zeolitic reactions in sedimentary rocks: Geological Society of America Special Paper 85, 130 p.: 35

Murdoch, Joseph & Robert W. Webb (1966), Minerals of California, Centennial Volume (1866-1966): California Division Mines & Geology Bulletin 189: 71, 109, 151, 179, 287

USGS (1981), crib list (November 4, 1981).

Pemberton, H. Earl (1983) Minerals of California. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company Inc.

Smith, George Irving (1985) Borate deposits in the United States: Dissimilar in form, similar in geologic setting, in Barker, J.M., and LeFond, S.J., 1985, Borates: Economic Geology and Production; Proceedings of a symposium held on October 24, 1984, at the fall meeting of SME-AIME in Denver, Colorado: New York, Society of Mining Engineers of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, Inc: 38-51.

(2005) Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS), US Geological Survey.

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