Kurnakovite is a rare magnesium borate mineral typically found in evaporite deposits. It often forms clear, short prismatic crystals or massive, granular aggregates and is noted for its perfect cleavage and light weight.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Kurnakovite

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

Is this kurnakovite?

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 kurnakovite with a known reference. Kurnakovite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kurnakovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kurnakovite 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: triclinic. Typical habit: short prismatic crystals, granular, massive.

Often confused with

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

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Kurnakovite and silky on Ulexite.

Compare →

Often found alongside kurnakovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: MgB₃O₃(OH)₅·5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 1.85 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Short Prismatic Crystals, Granular, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $20-100 for small to cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find kurnakovite

Classic worldwide localities

Inder Borate Deposit, Kazakhstan
Boron, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where kurnakovite typically forms. If you start seeing inderite, borax, kernite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a short prismatic crystals, granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kurnakovite?+

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

Where is kurnakovite found?+

Notable localities include Inder Borate Deposit, Kazakhstan; Boron, California, USA.

How much is kurnakovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 for small to cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kurnakovite?+

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

What minerals are found with kurnakovite?+

Kurnakovite commonly co-occurs with Inderite, Borax, Kernite, Magnesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kurnakovite form in?+

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

What is kurnakovite used for?+

Kurnakovite is used in collector.

Find kurnakovite on the map

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