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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Korshunovskite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this korshunovskite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch korshunovskite with a known reference. Korshunovskite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Korshunovskite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Korshunovskite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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: 2.05 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
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
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

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 — that is 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?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is korshunovskite found?+

Notable localities include Korshunovskoye iron deposit, Russia; Kovdor Massif, Russia.

How much is korshunovskite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like korshunovskite?+

Korshunovskite is most often confused with Brucite, Koenenite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with korshunovskite?+

Korshunovskite commonly co-occurs with magnetite, serpentine, calcite, brucite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does korshunovskite form in?+

Korshunovskite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in skarn deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is korshunovskite used for?+

Korshunovskite is used in collector.

Find korshunovskite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.