Karchevskyite is a rare layered double hydroxide mineral typically found in the hydrothermal cavities of alkaline rocks. It forms delicate, thin, platy crystals that resemble other hydrotalcite-group members, often appearing in white to colorless aggregates.
Is this karchevskyite?
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 karchevskyite with a known reference. Karchevskyite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Karchevskyite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Karchevskyite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, pseudohexagonal, aggregates.
Often confused with
Karchevskyite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside karchevskyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with karchevskyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₁₈Al₂Li₃(OH)₄₈(CO₃)₃·9H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Pseudohexagonal, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Massifs
- Typical price
- expensive due to rarity
Where rockhounds find karchevskyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kovdor Massif (Kola Peninsula, Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous massifs country, the host setting where karchevskyite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, forsterite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, pseudohexagonal, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find karchevskyite on the map
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