Donbassite is a rare dioctahedral chlorite mineral, often found as thin, platy crystals or fine-grained masses in sedimentary basins. It is most frequently identified in coal-bearing strata where it formed through low-temperature hydrothermal processes. Collectors often find it challenging to distinguish from other sheet silicates without X-ray diffraction analysis due to its visual similarity to fine-grained mica.
Is this donbassite?
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 donbassite with a known reference. Donbassite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Donbassite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Donbassite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale green, grayish white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, fine-grained aggregates, scaly masses.
Often confused with
Donbassite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside donbassite
Minerals reported to co-occur with donbassite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Al₂₂(Si₆Al₂)O₂₀(OH)₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Fine-grained Aggregates, Scaly Masses
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Coal Measures and Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find donbassite
Classic worldwide localities
- Donets Basin, Ukraine
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Harding County, New Mexico, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary coal measures and hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where donbassite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, pyrite, siderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, fine-grained aggregates, scaly masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find donbassite on the map
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