Tatarinovite is a rare calcium aluminum sulfate that forms colorless dipyramidal {10 4} crystals. Associated minerals include diopside, xonotlite and clinochlore. It was first described from Bazhenovskoe chrysotile deposit, near Asbest, Middle Urals, Russia.
Is this tatarinovite?
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 tatarinovite with a known reference. Tatarinovite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tatarinovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tatarinovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: dipyramidal {10 4} crystals.
Often confused with
Tatarinovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside tatarinovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tatarinovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₃Al(SO₄)[B(OH)₄](OH)₆·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 1.79 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Dipyramidal {10 4} Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Serpentinite-hosted Hydrothermal Veins
Where rockhounds find tatarinovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bazhenovskoye deposit, Ural Mountains, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where tatarinovite typically forms. If you start seeing hydrotalcite, dresserite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dipyramidal {10 4} crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tatarinovite?+
Where is tatarinovite found?+
What rocks look like tatarinovite?+
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What is tatarinovite used for?+
Find tatarinovite on the map
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