Novgorodovaite is a very rare calcium oxalate chloride hydrate mineral. It was first identified in the Chegem caldera and is typically found as small, fragile platy crystals associated with high-temperature contact-metamorphosed carbonates.
Is this novgorodovaite?
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 novgorodovaite with a known reference. Novgorodovaite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Novgorodovaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Novgorodovaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Novgorodovaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside novgorodovaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with novgorodovaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂(C₂O₄)Cl₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Altered Carbonate Xenoliths in Igneous Rocks
Where rockhounds find novgorodovaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chegem caldera, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in altered carbonate xenoliths in igneous rocks country, the host setting where novgorodovaite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, afwillite, portlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify novgorodovaite?+
Where is novgorodovaite found?+
What rocks look like novgorodovaite?+
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Find novgorodovaite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
