Mukhinite is a rare vanadium-dominant member of the epidote group, characterized by its deep green color resulting from vanadium substitution. It is primarily found in metamorphic environments, often forming elongated prismatic crystals. Collectors typically find it in specialized Russian mineral localities associated with skarn-type mineralization.
Is this mukhinite?
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 mukhinite with a known reference. Mukhinite sits at Mohs 8, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light brownish gray.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Mukhinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Mukhinite is noticeably harder (Mohs 8 vs. 6-7); streak differs, so Mukhinite leaves light brownish gray, Epidote leaves grayish white.
How to tell apart: Mukhinite is noticeably harder (Mohs 8 vs. 6.5); streak differs, so Mukhinite leaves light brownish gray, Clinozoisite leaves grayish white.
How to tell apart: Mukhinite is noticeably harder (Mohs 8 vs. 6-6.5); streak differs, so Mukhinite leaves light brownish gray, Piemontite leaves reddish.
Often found alongside mukhinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mukhinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂VAl₂Si₃O₁₂(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 8
- Density
- 3.47 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light brownish gray
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- {001}, perfect; {100}, less so; (001) ^ (100) = 64°
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In marble associated with an iron deposit (Tashelginskoye deposit, Russia); a late-stage mineral in garnet-bearing metamorphic rocks (Kuznetsk, Kazakhstan)
Where rockhounds find mukhinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lewiston, Fergus Co., Montana, USA
- Tashelginskoye iron deposit, Shoriya Mountains, about 400 km southeast of Novosibirsk, southwestern Siberia, Russia
- Kuznetsk, Ala-Tau Range, Tien Shan, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In marble associated with an iron deposit (Tashelginskoye deposit, Russia); a late-stage mineral in garnet-bearing metamorphic rocks (Kuznetsk, Kazakhstan). If you start seeing goldmanite, muscovite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mukhinite?+
Where is mukhinite found?+
Is mukhinite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like mukhinite?+
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Find mukhinite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
