Krasnovite is a rare barium aluminum phosphate mineral typically found as delicate, acicular needle-like crystals. Collectors usually find it occurring in small radiating sprays or tufts within hydrothermal veins, often associated with phosphate-rich pegmatite environments.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Krasnovite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this krasnovite?

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 krasnovite with a known reference. Krasnovite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Krasnovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Krasnovite 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: acicular crystals, radiating sprays.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside krasnovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaAl₂(PO₄)(OH)₄F·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.95 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular Crystals, Radiating Sprays
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find krasnovite

Classic worldwide localities

Krasnyi Chkoy, Russia
Mount Malosa, Malawi

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in pegmatites country — that is the host setting where krasnovite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, apatite, zircon in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular crystals, radiating sprays habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify krasnovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is krasnovite found?+

Notable localities include Krasnyi Chkoy, Russia; Mount Malosa, Malawi.

How much is krasnovite 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 krasnovite?+

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

What minerals are found with krasnovite?+

Krasnovite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Apatite, Zircon. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does krasnovite form in?+

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

What is krasnovite used for?+

Krasnovite is used in collector.

Find krasnovite on the map

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