Kurchatovite is a relatively uncommon calcium magnesium borate mineral typically found in skarn deposits. It often occurs as fine-grained, massive material or small prismatic crystals and is primarily sought after by systematic mineral collectors.
Is this kurchatovite?
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 kurchatovite with a known reference. Kurchatovite sits at Mohs 4.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kurchatovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kurchatovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular, massive, prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Kurchatovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kurchatovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kurchatovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaMgB₂O₅
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 3.36 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Massive, Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Contact Metamorphosed Magnesian Skarns
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kurchatovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sakha Republic, Russia
- Kyzyl-Tas, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in contact metamorphosed magnesian skarns country — that is the host setting where kurchatovite typically forms. If you start seeing suanite, szaibelyite, ludwigite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kurchatovite?+
Where is kurchatovite found?+
How much is kurchatovite worth?+
What rocks look like kurchatovite?+
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Find kurchatovite on the map
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