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, 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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