Chernykhite is an extremely rare vanadium-rich mica belonging to the mica group, characterized by its distinct dark green to black coloration. It typically occurs as small, scaly aggregates or thin platy crystals found in vanadium-bearing sedimentary sequences. Collectors prize it primarily as a specialty mineral for systematic collections due to its limited global occurrences.
Is this chernykhite?
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 chernykhite with a known reference. Chernykhite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chernykhite leaves a light green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chernykhite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: scaly aggregates, platy crystals.
Often confused with
Chernykhite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chernykhite leaves light green, Muscovite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chernykhite leaves light green, Chromphyllite leaves white.
Often found alongside chernykhite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chernykhite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ba,Na)(V³⁺,Al,Mg)₂(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 3.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Green
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Scaly Aggregates, Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Vanadium-bearing Sedimentary Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find chernykhite
Classic worldwide localities
- Karatau, Kazakhstan
- Nevada, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in vanadium-bearing sedimentary rocks country, the host setting where chernykhite typically forms. If you start seeing vanadium minerals, quartz, barite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a scaly aggregates, platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find chernykhite on the map
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