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
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find novgorodovaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chegem caldera, Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in altered carbonate xenoliths in igneous rocks country — that is 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
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Find novgorodovaite on the map
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