Kovdorskite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral known almost exclusively from the Kovdor alkaline massif in Russia. It typically forms delicate, pale blue prismatic crystals or radial tufts found in cavities within carbonatite and phoscorite rocks.
Is this kovdorskite?
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 kovdorskite with a known reference. Kovdorskite 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. Kovdorskite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kovdorskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale blue, colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Kovdorskite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kovdorskite leaves white, Veszelyite leaves light green.
How to tell apart: Kovdorskite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Kovdorskite leaves white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.
Often found alongside kovdorskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kovdorskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₂(PO₄)(OH)·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.33 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Carbonatite Complexes
- Typical price
- $20-200 thumbnail, $300+ cabinet specimen
Where rockhounds find kovdorskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kovdor Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in carbonatite complexes country — that is the host setting where kovdorskite typically forms. If you start seeing magnesite, apatite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kovdorskite on the map
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