Khvorovite is a rare garnet-group mineral occurring primarily in skarn environments within the Krasnoyarsk region. It is typically identified by its distinctive dodecahedral crystal habit and brownish-yellow coloration, requiring laboratory analysis to distinguish it from other calcium-rich garnets.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Khvorovite

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this khvorovite?

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 khvorovite with a known reference. Khvorovite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Khvorovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Khvorovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside khvorovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃(Si₂Al)(AlO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 3.84 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find khvorovite

Classic worldwide localities

Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn country — that is the host setting where khvorovite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify khvorovite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is khvorovite found?+

Notable localities include Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia.

How much is khvorovite 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 khvorovite?+

Khvorovite is most often confused with Grossularite Garnet, Andradite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with khvorovite?+

Khvorovite commonly co-occurs with calcite, diopside, quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does khvorovite form in?+

Khvorovite typically forms in skarn. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is khvorovite used for?+

Khvorovite is used in collector.

Find khvorovite on the map

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