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, 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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