Pertsevite-(OH) is a rare magnesium borate mineral first discovered in the contact-metasomatic boron deposits of the Tayozhnoye iron deposit in Siberia. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals or intergrown grains within magnesium-rich skarn environments. Due to its rarity and specific formation conditions, it is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Pertsevite-(OH)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this pertsevite-(oh)?

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-(oh) with a known reference. Pertsevite-(OH) 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-(OH) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pertsevite-(OH) typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, anhedral grains.

Often confused with

Pertsevite-(OH) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Pertsevite-(OH) leaves white, Ludwigite leaves black; luster reads vitreous on Pertsevite-(OH) and submetallic on Ludwigite.

Compare →

Often found alongside pertsevite-(oh)

Minerals reported to co-occur with pertsevite-(oh). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₂BO₃(OH)
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.31 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Boron-bearing Skarns
Typical price: $50-300 for rare micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find pertsevite-(oh)

Classic worldwide localities

Tayozhnoye deposit, Aldan Shield, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in boron-bearing skarns country — that is the host setting where pertsevite-(oh) typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, forsterite, suanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pertsevite-(oh)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is pertsevite-(oh) found?+

Notable localities include Tayozhnoye deposit, Aldan Shield, Russia.

How much is pertsevite-(oh) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 for rare micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like pertsevite-(oh)?+

Pertsevite-(OH) is most often confused with Pertsevite-(F), Ludwigite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with pertsevite-(oh)?+

Pertsevite-(OH) commonly co-occurs with Magnetite, Forsterite, Suanite, Kotoite, Serpentine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pertsevite-(oh) form in?+

Pertsevite-(OH) typically forms in boron-bearing skarns. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pertsevite-(oh) used for?+

Pertsevite-(OH) is used in collector.

Find pertsevite-(oh) on the map

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