Zavaritskite is a rare bismuth oxyfluoride mineral typically found as small, pearly, platy crystals or coatings in oxidized bismuth-bearing deposits. It is most easily identified by its association with secondary bismuth minerals in pegmatite environments or hydrothermal zones.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Zavaritskite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this zavaritskite?

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 zavaritskite with a known reference. Zavaritskite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zavaritskite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zavaritskite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Zavaritskite and adamantine on Matlockite.

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Often found alongside zavaritskite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BiOF
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 6.6 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites, Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find zavaritskite

Classic worldwide localities

Sherlovaya Gora, Russia
Mount Malosa, Malawi
Sahatany Pegmatite Field, Madagascar

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites, hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where zavaritskite typically forms. If you start seeing bismutite, fluorite, topaz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zavaritskite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, white, gray.

Where is zavaritskite found?+

Notable localities include Sherlovaya Gora, Russia; Mount Malosa, Malawi; Sahatany Pegmatite Field, Madagascar.

How much is zavaritskite worth?+

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

Is zavaritskite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains bismuth and fluorine; dust or ingestion should be avoided as bismuth minerals can sometimes contain traces of toxic heavy metals. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like zavaritskite?+

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

What minerals are found with zavaritskite?+

Zavaritskite commonly co-occurs with Bismutite, Fluorite, Topaz, Quartz, Bismuthinite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zavaritskite form in?+

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

What is zavaritskite used for?+

Zavaritskite is used in collector.

Find zavaritskite on the map

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