Sibirskite is a rare calcium borate mineral typically found in metamorphosed carbonate rocks associated with skarn deposits. It usually occurs as small, white to colorless platy or fibrous crystalline aggregates. It is primarily a collector's mineral known from the Tayozhnoye iron ore deposit in the Sakha Republic of Russia.
Is this sibirskite?
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 sibirskite with a known reference. Sibirskite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sibirskite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sibirskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy or fibrous aggregates.
Often confused with
Sibirskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sibirskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sibirskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaHB₂O₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.98 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy or Fibrous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Skarn Deposits
- Typical price
- expensive due to rarity
Where rockhounds find sibirskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tayozhnoye iron deposit, Russia
- Siberia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in skarn deposits country, the host setting where sibirskite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, ludwigite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find sibirskite on the map
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