Rhabdoborite-(V) is an exceptionally rare borate mineral found primarily in the Kola Peninsula of Russia. It typically appears as small, bright yellow tabular crystals or aggregates within contact-metasomatic skarn environments associated with alkaline massifs.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareRhabdoborite Group family

Rhabdoborite-(V)

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this rhabdoborite-(v)?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch rhabdoborite-(v) with a known reference. Rhabdoborite-(V) sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rhabdoborite-(V) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rhabdoborite-(V) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: bright yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.

Often confused with

Rhabdoborite-(V) vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside rhabdoborite-(v)

Minerals reported to co-occur with rhabdoborite-(v). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₁₂(V⁵⁺,Mo⁶⁺,W⁶⁺)₁.₅O₆{[BO₃]₆₋ₓ[(P,As)O₄]ₓF₂₋ₓ} (x < 1)
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Bright Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarns in Alkaline Igneous Complexes

Where rockhounds find rhabdoborite-(v)

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarns in alkaline igneous complexes country, the host setting where rhabdoborite-(v) typically forms. If you start seeing fluoborite, ludwigite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rhabdoborite-(v)?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include bright yellow.

Where is rhabdoborite-(v) found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

Is rhabdoborite-(v) safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like rhabdoborite-(v)?+

Rhabdoborite-(V) is most often confused with Rhabdoborite-(W). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with rhabdoborite-(v)?+

Rhabdoborite-(V) commonly co-occurs with Fluoborite, Ludwigite, Magnetite, Phlogopite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rhabdoborite-(v) form in?+

Rhabdoborite-(V) typically forms in skarns in alkaline igneous complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rhabdoborite-(v) used for?+

Rhabdoborite-(V) is used in collector.

Find rhabdoborite-(v) on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.