Korshunovskite is a rare magnesium chloride hydroxide mineral typically found as small, pearly-white lamellar crystals or thin plates. It is primarily identified within hydrothermal alteration zones in iron skarn deposits. Due to its solubility, it is best kept in a controlled, dry environment to prevent degradation.
Is this korshunovskite?
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 korshunovskite with a known reference. Korshunovskite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Korshunovskite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Korshunovskite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: lamellar crystals, thin plates, aggregates.
Often confused with
Korshunovskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside korshunovskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with korshunovskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₂Cl(OH)₃·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 1.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Lamellar Crystals, Thin Plates, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Skarn Deposits
Where rockhounds find korshunovskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Korshunovskoye iron deposit, Russia
- Kovdor Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in skarn deposits country, the host setting where korshunovskite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, serpentine, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar crystals, thin plates, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify korshunovskite?+
Where is korshunovskite found?+
What rocks look like korshunovskite?+
What minerals are found with korshunovskite?+
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Find korshunovskite on the map
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