Korzhinskite is a rare calcium borate mineral typically found in boron-rich skarn deposits. It often forms thin, platy, or radial crystal clusters that can be difficult to distinguish from other borate species without advanced testing.
Is this korzhinskite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch korzhinskite with a known reference. Korzhinskite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Korzhinskite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Korzhinskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Korzhinskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside korzhinskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with korzhinskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaB₂O₄·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits
Where rockhounds find korzhinskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sakha Republic, Russia
- Solongo deposit, Buryatia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country, the host setting where korzhinskite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, ludwigite, suanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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What rocks look like korzhinskite?+
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Find korzhinskite on the map
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