Specimens Sanbornite is a rare, but nicely named, phyllosilicate mineral. Barium tends to be a rather difficult element to place in minerals due to its large ionic size. Barium has an ionic radius of 1.34 Angstroms compared to the much more easily accommodated calcium's 0.99 Angstroms. Sanbornite has a pearly luster and flashes of iridescence and can be a nice addition to someone's collection.
Color is usually a pale green, also gray, white or colorless.
Luster is pearly to vitreous or dull. Crystals are transparent to mostly translucent. Crystal System is orthorhombic. Crystal Habits include flat tabular or lamellar crystals. Cleavage is good in one direction.