Dashkovaite is a very rare magnesium formate dihydrate mineral primarily found in the ultra-alkaline rocks of the Khibiny Massif. Collectors should look for its tabular, colorless to white crystals that are typically associated with secondary minerals in pegmatite cavities.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Dashkovaite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this dashkovaite?

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 dashkovaite with a known reference. Dashkovaite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dashkovaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dashkovaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.

Often confused with

Dashkovaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Calcite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Calcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3 vs. 2).

Often found alongside dashkovaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg(HCOO)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 1.74 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find dashkovaite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Kovdor Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where dashkovaite typically forms. If you start seeing natrolite, villiaumite, shkatulkalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify dashkovaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is dashkovaite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Kovdor Massif, Russia.

How much is dashkovaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like dashkovaite?+

Dashkovaite is most often confused with Calcite, Gypsum. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with dashkovaite?+

Dashkovaite commonly co-occurs with natrolite, villiaumite, shkatulkalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dashkovaite form in?+

Dashkovaite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dashkovaite used for?+

Dashkovaite is used in collector.

Find dashkovaite on the map

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