Uklonskovite is a rare sodium magnesium sulfate fluoride mineral found primarily in evaporite deposits. It typically forms clear, tabular crystals or fine-grained aggregates and is highly sought after by mineral collectors for its unique chemistry and rarity.
Is this uklonskovite?
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 uklonskovite with a known reference. Uklonskovite 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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.
Often confused with
Uklonskovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside uklonskovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with uklonskovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaMg(SO₄)F·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.42 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Of very rare occurrence in cavities in clays above the salt strata (Kushkanatau salt deposit, Uzbekistan)
Where rockhounds find uklonskovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kushkanatau salt deposit, lower Amu Darya River, Kara-Kalpakii, Uzbekistan
- Cetine mine, 20 km southwest of Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Of very rare occurrence in cavities in clays above the salt strata (Kushkanatau salt deposit, Uzbekistan). If you start seeing glauberite, polyhalite, jurbanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify uklonskovite?+
Where is uklonskovite found?+
What rocks look like uklonskovite?+
What minerals are found with uklonskovite?+
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Find uklonskovite on the map
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