Kononovite is a rare sodium magnesium sulfate hydrate found primarily in the arid environments of the Daldyn-Alakit kimberlite region. It typically appears as yellowish granular crusts or small crystalline aggregates within evaporite assemblages.
Is this kononovite?
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 kononovite with a known reference. Kononovite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kononovite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kononovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Kononovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kononovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kononovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Mg(SO₄)₂·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporitic Deposits in Kimberlite Pipes
- Typical price
- $50-300+ depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find kononovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Daldyn-Alakit kimberlite field, Yakutia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporitic deposits in kimberlite pipes country — that is the host setting where kononovite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, thenardite, mirabilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kononovite?+
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Find kononovite on the map
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