Chukhrovite-(Ca) is a rare sulfate-fluoride mineral that typically forms distinct octahedral crystals. It is most often found in association with fluorite in hydrothermal deposits, where it is prized by advanced collectors for its sharp geometric forms and rarity.

Hardness
3-4
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Translucent

Is this chukhrovite-(ca)?

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 chukhrovite-(ca) with a known reference. Chukhrovite-(Ca) sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chukhrovite-(Ca) leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chukhrovite-(Ca) typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, violet, pale blue.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, often with cube faces.

Often confused with

Chukhrovite-(Ca) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside chukhrovite-(ca)

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

All properties

Chemical formula
Ca₃Al₂(SO₄)F₁₀·10H₂O
Mohs hardness
3-4
Density
2.3-2.4 g/cm³
Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous
Transparency
Translucent
Crystal system
Cubic
Crystal habit
Octahedral Crystals, Often with Cube Faces
Cleavage
None
Rarity
Rare
Uses
Collector
Host rock
Hydrothermal Veins in Granitic and Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price
$50-500 depending on crystal size and quality

Where rockhounds find chukhrovite-(ca)

Classic worldwide localities

  • Kara-Oba, Kazakhstan
  • Qinglong, China
  • Katanga, DR Congo

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in granitic and metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where chukhrovite-(ca) typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, quartz, molybdenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, often with cube faces habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chukhrovite-(ca)?+
Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, violet, pale blue.
Where is chukhrovite-(ca) found?+
Notable localities include Kara-Oba, Kazakhstan; Qinglong, China; Katanga, DR Congo.
How much is chukhrovite-(ca) worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What rocks look like chukhrovite-(ca)?+
Chukhrovite-(Ca) is most often confused with Fluorite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with chukhrovite-(ca)?+
Chukhrovite-(Ca) commonly co-occurs with Fluorite, Quartz, Molybdenite, Kaolinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does chukhrovite-(ca) form in?+
Chukhrovite-(Ca) typically forms in hydrothermal veins in granitic and metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is chukhrovite-(ca) used for?+
Chukhrovite-(Ca) is used in collector.

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