Chegemite is a rare member of the humite group, primarily known for its occurrence in the unusual skarn xenoliths of the Chegem caldera in Russia. It typically presents as small, colorless or pale yellow crystals and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its geological significance and scarcity.
Is this chegemite?
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 chegemite with a known reference. Chegemite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chegemite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chegemite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Chegemite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chegemite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chegemite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₇(SiO₄)₃(F,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.88 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Poor
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits in Contact Metamorphic Zones
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and rarity
Where rockhounds find chegemite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chegem caldera, Northern Caucasus, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits in contact metamorphic zones country — that is the host setting where chegemite typically forms. If you start seeing wadalite, lakargiite, kerimasite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find chegemite on the map
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