Evenkite is a rare organic mineral consisting of a high-molecular-weight paraffin hydrocarbon. It typically forms as soft, waxy tabular crystals or massive aggregates within cavities of sedimentary or volcanic rocks.

Hardness

1-1.5

Mohs

Luster

Greasy

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Evenkite

Hardness: 1-1.5
Luster: Greasy
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this evenkite?

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 evenkite with a known reference. Evenkite sits at Mohs 1-1.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Evenkite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Evenkite typically shows a greasy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Ozokerite

Mohs 1

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Evenkite leaves white, Ozokerite leaves white to yellowish.

Compare →

Often found alongside evenkite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: C₂₁H₄₄
Mohs hardness: 1-1.5
Density: 0.89 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Greasy
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Sedimentary Rocks, Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find evenkite

Classic worldwide localities

Evenki District, Russia
Pavelka, Czech Republic
Färö Island, Denmark

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary rocks, hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where evenkite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, fluorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify evenkite?+

Mohs hardness is 1-1.5. It typically shows a greasy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellow.

Where is evenkite found?+

Notable localities include Evenki District, Russia; Pavelka, Czech Republic; Färö Island, Denmark.

How much is evenkite 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 evenkite?+

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

What minerals are found with evenkite?+

Evenkite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Quartz, Fluorite, Chalcedony. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does evenkite form in?+

Evenkite typically forms in sedimentary rocks, hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is evenkite used for?+

Evenkite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find evenkite on the map

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