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 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chukanovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chukanovite typically shows a silky luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale green, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular crystals, fibrous, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Chukanovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Chukanovite leaves white, Malachite leaves light green; luster reads silky on Chukanovite and vitreous on Malachite.
How to tell apart: Chukanovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Chukanovite leaves white, Aurichalcite leaves pale blue; luster reads silky on Chukanovite and pearly on Aurichalcite.
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
- Density
- 3.36 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Silky
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular Crystals, Fibrous, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Iron-rich Mineral Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find chukanovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khaldzan-Buregte Massif, Mongolia
- Lavrion, Greece
- Iron mines of the Urals, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of iron-rich mineral deposits country — that is the host setting where chukanovite typically forms. If you start seeing siderite, goethite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, fibrous, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find chukanovite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
