Frolovite is a rare calcium borate mineral that typically forms as white, radiating crystal clusters in contact metamorphic zones. Collectors prize it for its unique habit and association with other rare borate minerals in skarn environments.
Is this frolovite?
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 frolovite with a known reference. Frolovite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Frolovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Frolovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, radiating aggregates, massive.
Often confused with
Frolovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Frolovite and dull on Priceite.
How to tell apart: Frolovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2).
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Frolovite and silky on Ulexite.
Often found alongside frolovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with frolovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaB₂O₄·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.26 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Radiating Aggregates, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits and Boron-bearing Contact Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find frolovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Frolikhinskoye deposit, Russia
- Charoite deposit, Siberia
- Kurnakovite deposits, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits and boron-bearing contact metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where frolovite typically forms. If you start seeing pentahydroborite, szaibelyite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radiating aggregates, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find frolovite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
