Cabvinite is a rare thorium hydroxide that forms white square prismatic crystals. It occurs in low-temperature hydrothermal alteration of Mo-Bi mineralization. It was first described from Mo-Bi ore deposit of Su Seinargiu, Sarroch, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy.
Is this cabvinite?
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 cabvinite with a known reference. Cabvinite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: square prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Cabvinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cabvinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cabvinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Th₂F₇(OH)·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 5.35 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Square prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- Cleavage or parting on {001} suggested by SEM images
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- From low-temperature hydrothermal alteration of Mo-Bi mineralization
Where rockhounds find cabvinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Su Seinargiu, Sarroch, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: From low-temperature hydrothermal alteration of Mo-Bi mineralization. If you start seeing brookite, iron oxy-hydroxide in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: square prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cabvinite?+
Where is cabvinite found?+
Is cabvinite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like cabvinite?+
What minerals are found with cabvinite?+
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What is cabvinite used for?+
Find cabvinite on the map
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