Chlormagaluminite is a rare layered double hydroxide mineral typically found in carbonate-rich rocks within alkaline massifs. It most commonly appears as white to colorless tabular crystals or delicate aggregates, often forming in association with other rare secondary minerals in cavities. Collectors primarily prize it for its unique chemical structure and specific occurrence in famous Russian mineral localities.
Is this chlormagaluminite?
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 chlormagaluminite with a known reference. Chlormagaluminite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chlormagaluminite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chlormagaluminite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, clusters, aggregates.
Often confused with
Chlormagaluminite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chlormagaluminite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chlormagaluminite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₄Al₂(OH)₁₂Cl₂·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.05 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Clusters, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find chlormagaluminite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kovdor Massif (Russia)
- Khibiny Massif (Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where chlormagaluminite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, magnetite, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, clusters, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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