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 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chukhrovite-(Ca) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chukhrovite-(Ca) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, violet, pale blue.
- 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
- 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.




