Chlorartinite is an extremely rare carbonate-chloride mineral found in alkaline rock complexes. It typically appears as small, fragile, colorless to white tabular crystals that are highly sensitive to humidity and must be stored in airtight containers.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Chlorartinite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this chlorartinite?

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 chlorartinite with a known reference. Chlorartinite 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. Chlorartinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chlorartinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, incrustations.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside chlorartinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂CO₃·MgCl₂·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.16 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Incrustations
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Agpaitic Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find chlorartinite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in agpaitic alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where chlorartinite typically forms. If you start seeing villiaumite, eudialyte, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, incrustations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chlorartinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is chlorartinite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is chlorartinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like chlorartinite?+

Chlorartinite is most often confused with Nahcolite, Thermonatrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chlorartinite?+

Chlorartinite commonly co-occurs with Villiaumite, Eudialyte, Aegirine, Natrolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chlorartinite form in?+

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

What is chlorartinite used for?+

Chlorartinite is used in collector.

Find chlorartinite on the map

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