Mukhinite is a rare vanadium-dominant member of the epidote group, characterized by its deep green color resulting from vanadium substitution. It is primarily found in metamorphic environments, often forming elongated prismatic crystals. Collectors typically find it in specialized Russian mineral localities associated with skarn-type mineralization.
Is this mukhinite?
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 mukhinite with a known reference. Mukhinite sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mukhinite leaves a light brownish gray streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mukhinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, reddish brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Mukhinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mukhinite leaves light brownish gray, Epidote leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mukhinite leaves light brownish gray, Clinozoisite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Mukhinite leaves light brownish gray, Piemontite leaves reddish-brown.
Often found alongside mukhinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mukhinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂VAl₂Si₃O₁₂(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.52 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Brownish Gray
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
Where rockhounds find mukhinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Malaya-Iovskoye deposit, Russia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where mukhinite typically forms. If you start seeing vesuvianite, diopside, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mukhinite?+
Where is mukhinite found?+
What rocks look like mukhinite?+
What minerals are found with mukhinite?+
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Find mukhinite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
