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.

Hardness
5-6
Mohs
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
White
Transparency
Translucent

Is this pertsevite-(f)?

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 pertsevite-(f) with a known reference. Pertsevite-(F) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
  • 2
    Check the streak
    Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pertsevite-(F) leaves a white streak.
  • 3
    Read the luster
    Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pertsevite-(F) typically shows a vitreous luster.
  • 4
    Match the color range
    Compare against the expected color range: brown, colorless, gray.
  • 5
    Look at form & habit
    Crystal 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.

Common questions

How do you identify pertsevite-(f)?+
Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, colorless, gray.
Where is pertsevite-(f) found?+
Notable localities include Naledi Mine (Sakha Republic, Russia).
How much is pertsevite-(f) worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of unavailable. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What minerals are found with pertsevite-(f)?+
Pertsevite-(F) commonly co-occurs with fluorborite, clinohumite, forsterite, spinel. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does pertsevite-(f) form in?+
Pertsevite-(F) typically forms in skarn. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is pertsevite-(f) used for?+
Pertsevite-(F) is used in collector, scientific research.

Find pertsevite-(f) on the map

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

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play