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, 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.