Chukanovite is a rare iron carbonate hydroxide that typically forms as delicate, radiating tufts or acicular sprays of pale green crystals. It is most commonly found in the oxidized weathering crusts of iron-rich ore deposits, often appearing as a breakdown product of siderite. Due to its scarcity and fragile habit, it is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in secondary iron minerals.
Is this chukanovite?
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 chukanovite with a known reference. Chukanovite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale green, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular, encrustations, fibrous.
Often confused with
Chukanovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chukanovite leaves white, Malachite leaves pale green; luster reads vitreous on Chukanovite and adamantine to vitreous; silky if fibrous; dull to earthy if massive on Malachite.
How to tell apart: Chukanovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5-4 vs. 1-2); streak differs, so Chukanovite leaves white, Aurichalcite leaves light blue; luster reads vitreous on Chukanovite and silky to pearly on Aurichalcite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Chukanovite and silky, dull, earthy on Sussexite.
Often found alongside chukanovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chukanovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 3.60 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, encrustations, fibrous
- Cleavage
- Perfect, probably on {02̄1}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a terrestrially altered meteorite fragment
Where rockhounds find chukanovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dronino meteorite, Kasimov District, Ryazan Oblast, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a terrestrially altered meteorite fragment. If you start seeing kamacite, taenite, chromite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, encrustations, fibrous. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find chukanovite on the map
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