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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: granular, prismatic.
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
- 1.798 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, prismatic
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- From a drill core taken at 770 m in an iron ore deposit, in low-temperature hydrothermal veinlets in dolomitic marble
Where rockhounds find korshunovskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Korshunov iron deposit, Irkutsk region, Siberia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: From a drill core taken at 770 m in an iron ore deposit, in low-temperature hydrothermal veinlets in dolomitic marble. If you start seeing ekaterinite, shabynite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular, prismatic. 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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