Korzhinskite is a rare calcium borate mineral typically found in boron-rich skarn deposits. It often forms thin, platy, or radial crystal clusters that can be difficult to distinguish from other borate species without advanced testing.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Korzhinskite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this korzhinskite?

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 korzhinskite with a known reference. Korzhinskite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Korzhinskite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Korzhinskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

Korzhinskite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Datolite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Datolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5).

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Korzhinskite and dull on Priceite.

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Often found alongside korzhinskite

Minerals reported to co-occur with korzhinskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CaB₂O₄·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.1 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find korzhinskite

Classic worldwide localities

Sakha Republic, Russia
Solongo deposit, Buryatia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where korzhinskite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, ludwigite, suanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify korzhinskite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is korzhinskite found?+

Notable localities include Sakha Republic, Russia; Solongo deposit, Buryatia, Russia.

How much is korzhinskite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like korzhinskite?+

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

What minerals are found with korzhinskite?+

Korzhinskite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Ludwigite, Suanite, Kotoite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does korzhinskite form in?+

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

What is korzhinskite used for?+

Korzhinskite is used in collector.

Find korzhinskite on the map

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