Charmarite is a rare member of the hydrotalcite group, typically occurring as small, platy hexagonal crystals or soft, powdery aggregates. It is found in the altered zones of alkaline igneous complexes and is highly prized by advanced collectors of microminerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareHydrotalcite Group family

Charmarite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this charmarite?

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 charmarite with a known reference. Charmarite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Charmarite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Charmarite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale blue, pale green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

Charmarite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside charmarite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₄Al₂CO₃(OH)₁₂·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.05-2.15 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Blue Pale Green
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Complexes
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find charmarite

Classic worldwide localities

Kovdor Massif, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where charmarite typically forms. If you start seeing dolomite, calcite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify charmarite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, pale blue, pale green.

Where is charmarite found?+

Notable localities include Kovdor Massif, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is charmarite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like charmarite?+

Charmarite is most often confused with Hydrotalcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with charmarite?+

Charmarite commonly co-occurs with Dolomite, Calcite, Magnetite, Serpentine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does charmarite form in?+

Charmarite typically forms in alkaline igneous complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is charmarite used for?+

Charmarite is used in collector.

Find charmarite on the map

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