Usovite is a very rare barium-calcium-magnesium fluoride mineral found primarily in its type locality in Russia. It typically presents as colorless to white tabular crystals or massive aggregates within hydrothermal vein deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Usovite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this usovite?

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 usovite with a known reference. Usovite sits at Mohs 4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Usovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Usovite 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: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

Usovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Usovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3).

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Often found alongside usovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ba₂CaMgAl₂F₁₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.37 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find usovite

Classic worldwide localities

Usov deposit, Siberia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where usovite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, galena, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify usovite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is usovite found?+

Notable localities include Usov deposit, Siberia, Russia.

How much is usovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like usovite?+

Usovite is most often confused with Fluorite, Calcite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with usovite?+

Usovite commonly co-occurs with fluorite, galena, sphalerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does usovite form in?+

Usovite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is usovite used for?+

Usovite is used in collector.

Find usovite on the map

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