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, 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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