Pertsevite-(F) is a very rare magnesium borate mineral primarily found in high-temperature magnesium-rich skarn environments. It typically occurs as small prismatic crystals or irregular grains, often embedded within carbonate or silicate matrices. Collectors generally only encounter this mineral in specialized mineralogical collections due to its limited type locality in Russia.
Is this pertsevite-(f)?
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 pertsevite-(f) with a known reference. Pertsevite-(F) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pertsevite-(F) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pertsevite-(F) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, grains.
Often found alongside pertsevite-(f)
Minerals reported to co-occur with pertsevite-(f). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₂BO₃F
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Skarn
- Typical price
- unavailable
Where rockhounds find pertsevite-(f)
Classic worldwide localities
- Naledi Mine (Sakha Republic, Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn country — that is the host setting where pertsevite-(f) typically forms. If you start seeing fluorborite, clinohumite, forsterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.



