Shuiskite-(Mg) is a rare sorosilicate mineral belonging to the pumpellyite group, discovered in the Shuiskoe locality of Russia. It typically presents as small, dark green prismatic or needle-like crystal aggregates found in metamorphic environments. Due to its scarcity and similarity to other pumpellyite group members, it is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors.
Is this shuiskite-(mg)?
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 shuiskite-(mg) with a known reference. Shuiskite-(Mg) sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shuiskite-(Mg) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Shuiskite-(Mg) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, olive green, blackish green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, acicular.
Often confused with
Shuiskite-(Mg) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside shuiskite-(mg)
Minerals reported to co-occur with shuiskite-(mg). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂MgAl₂(Si₂O₇)(SiO₄)(OH)₂·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Acicular
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks, Specifically Hydrothermally Altered Basaltic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality
Where rockhounds find shuiskite-(mg)
Classic worldwide localities
- Shuiskoe, Karelia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks, specifically hydrothermally altered basaltic rocks country — that is the host setting where shuiskite-(mg) typically forms. If you start seeing chlorite, quartz, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates, acicular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify shuiskite-(mg)?+
Where is shuiskite-(mg) found?+
How much is shuiskite-(mg) worth?+
What rocks look like shuiskite-(mg)?+
What minerals are found with shuiskite-(mg)?+
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