Pokrovskite is a rare magnesium carbonate mineral that typically forms as delicate, pearly platy crystals or crusts within serpentinite deposits. Collectors often find it associated with other magnesium carbonates, requiring micro-analysis for definitive identification due to its similarity to hydromagnesite and dypingite.
Is this pokrovskite?
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 pokrovskite with a known reference. Pokrovskite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pokrovskite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pokrovskite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates, crusts.
Often confused with
Pokrovskite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pokrovskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pokrovskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₂(CO₃)(OH)₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Serpentinite
- Typical price
- $20-150 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find pokrovskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Pokrovskii Mine, Russia
- Cedars, California, USA
- Aktyubinsk, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in serpentinite country — that is the host setting where pokrovskite typically forms. If you start seeing magnesite, serpentine, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find pokrovskite on the map
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