Rhabdoborite-(V) is an exceptionally rare borate mineral found primarily in the Kola Peninsula of Russia. It typically appears as small, colorless tabular crystals or aggregates within contact-metasomatic skarn environments associated with alkaline massifs.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareRhabdoborite Group family

Rhabdoborite-(V)

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

Is this rhabdoborite-(v)?

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 rhabdoborite-(v) with a known reference. Rhabdoborite-(V) sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rhabdoborite-(V) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rhabdoborite-(V) 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: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside rhabdoborite-(v)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₁₂V₃O₆(BO₃)₆F₆
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarns in Alkaline Igneous Complexes
Typical price: $50-300+ depending on crystal size and quality

Where rockhounds find rhabdoborite-(v)

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarns in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where rhabdoborite-(v) typically forms. If you start seeing fluoborite, ludwigite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rhabdoborite-(v)?+

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

Where is rhabdoborite-(v) found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is rhabdoborite-(v) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300+ depending on crystal size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like rhabdoborite-(v)?+

Rhabdoborite-(V) is most often confused with Rhabdoborite-(W). A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with rhabdoborite-(v)?+

Rhabdoborite-(V) commonly co-occurs with Fluoborite, Ludwigite, Magnetite, Phlogopite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rhabdoborite-(v) form in?+

Rhabdoborite-(V) typically forms in skarns in alkaline igneous complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rhabdoborite-(v) used for?+

Rhabdoborite-(V) is used in collector.

Find rhabdoborite-(v) on the map

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