Zemkorite is a rare sodium-calcium carbonate mineral typically found in alkaline igneous environments. It usually appears as small tabular crystals or massive grains and is highly sensitive to moisture and atmospheric exposure due to its solubility.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Zemkorite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this zemkorite?

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 zemkorite with a known reference. Zemkorite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zemkorite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zemkorite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside zemkorite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ca(CO₃)₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Massifs, Carbonatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find zemkorite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Tanzania

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous massifs, carbonatites country — that is the host setting where zemkorite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, shortite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zemkorite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is zemkorite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Tanzania.

How much is zemkorite 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 zemkorite?+

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

What minerals are found with zemkorite?+

Zemkorite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Shortite, Halite, Natrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does zemkorite form in?+

Zemkorite typically forms in alkaline igneous massifs, carbonatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zemkorite used for?+

Zemkorite is used in collector.

Find zemkorite on the map

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