Clinokurchatovite is a rare borate mineral found predominantly in magnesian skarn deposits. It is chemically similar to Kurchatovite but structurally distinct due to its monoclinic-like tendencies in complex borate groupings. Collectors typically find it as inconspicuous granular masses associated with other borates and magnetite.
Is this clinokurchatovite?
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 clinokurchatovite with a known reference. Clinokurchatovite sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: gray white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Clinokurchatovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Clinokurchatovite leaves gray white, Kurchatovite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Suanite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5 vs. 4.5); streak differs, so Clinokurchatovite leaves gray white, Suanite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Clinokurchatovite and silky to pearly on Suanite.
Often found alongside clinokurchatovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with clinokurchatovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMgB₂O₅
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 3.07-3.08 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular aggregates, massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A replacement of kurchatovite in boron-bearing rocks
Where rockhounds find clinokurchatovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sayak-IV boron deposit, northeast Balkhash region, Kazakhstan
- Solongo boron deposit, Buryatia, Russia
- Titovskoye boron deposit, Tas-Khayakhtakh Mountains, Sakha, Russia
- Novofrolovskoye copper deposit, near Krasnoturinsk, Turinsk district, Northern Ural Mountains, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A replacement of kurchatovite in boron-bearing rocks. If you start seeing kurchatovite, suanite, ludwigite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular aggregates, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clinokurchatovite?+
Where is clinokurchatovite found?+
What rocks look like clinokurchatovite?+
What minerals are found with clinokurchatovite?+
What kind of rock does clinokurchatovite form in?+
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Find clinokurchatovite on the map
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