Ekaterinite is a rare calcium borate halide mineral found primarily in the Korshunovskoye iron deposit in Siberia. It typically forms small, clear, tetragonal prismatic crystals in cavities within iron ore deposits.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareBorate Group family

Ekaterinite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this ekaterinite?

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 ekaterinite with a known reference. Ekaterinite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ekaterinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ekaterinite 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: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Boracite

Mohs 7-7.5

How to tell apart: Boracite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7-7.5 vs. 3-4).

Compare →

Often found alongside ekaterinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂B₄O₇Cl₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.5 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ekaterinite

Classic worldwide localities

Korshunovskoye deposit, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where ekaterinite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, calcite, anhydrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ekaterinite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is ekaterinite found?+

Notable localities include Korshunovskoye deposit, Russia.

How much is ekaterinite 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 ekaterinite?+

Ekaterinite is most often confused with Boracite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ekaterinite?+

Ekaterinite commonly co-occurs with Magnetite, Calcite, Anhydrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ekaterinite form in?+

Ekaterinite typically forms in hydrothermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ekaterinite used for?+

Ekaterinite is used in collector.

Find ekaterinite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.