Koksharovite is a rare phosphate mineral primarily known from the Kovdor alkaline complex in Russia. It typically occurs as small, pale yellow tabular crystals associated with phlogopite and forsterite in late-stage hydrothermal veins within ultramafic rocks.
Is this koksharovite?
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 koksharovite with a known reference. Koksharovite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Koksharovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Koksharovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Koksharovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside koksharovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with koksharovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KNaCaMg₂(PO₄)₂F
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $100-500+ for rare micro-specimens
Where rockhounds find koksharovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kovdor Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where koksharovite typically forms. If you start seeing forsterite, magnetite, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify koksharovite?+
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How much is koksharovite worth?+
What rocks look like koksharovite?+
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Find koksharovite on the map
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