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.
Is this chukhrovite-(ca)?
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 chukhrovite-(ca) with a known reference. Chukhrovite-(Ca) 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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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
- Ca₃Ca₁.₅Al₂(SO₄)F₁₃·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.23 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent to transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral crystals, often with cube faces
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- From low-temperature hydrothermal crystallization on the surfaces of fractures crosscutting a vein of marcasite and REE-bearing fluorite
Where rockhounds find chukhrovite-(ca)
Classic worldwide localities
- Val Cavallizza Pb-Zn-Ag mine, Cuasso al Monte, Varese province, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: From low-temperature hydrothermal crystallization on the surfaces of fractures crosscutting a vein of marcasite and REE-bearing fluorite. If you start seeing marcasite, ree-bearing fluorite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, often with cube faces. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chukhrovite-(ca)?+
Where is chukhrovite-(ca) found?+
What rocks look like chukhrovite-(ca)?+
What minerals are found with chukhrovite-(ca)?+
What kind of rock does chukhrovite-(ca) form in?+
What is chukhrovite-(ca) used for?+
Find chukhrovite-(ca) on the map
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