Zharchikhite is an extremely rare fluoride mineral that forms small, colorless, rhombohedral crystals. It was first described from the Zharchikhinskoye molybdenum deposit in Russia, where it occurs within greisenized host rocks. Collectors prize it for its rarity and its association with hydrothermal alteration zones.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Zharchikhite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this zharchikhite?

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 zharchikhite with a known reference. Zharchikhite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zharchikhite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Zharchikhite 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: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Zharchikhite and vitreous to greasy on Cryolite.

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Often found alongside zharchikhite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaAlF₄(OH)
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.09 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Greisenized Rocks
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find zharchikhite

Classic worldwide localities

Zharchikhinskoye deposit, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in greisenized rocks country — that is the host setting where zharchikhite typically forms. If you start seeing fluorite, quartz, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify zharchikhite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is zharchikhite found?+

Notable localities include Zharchikhinskoye deposit, Russia.

How much is zharchikhite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like zharchikhite?+

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

What minerals are found with zharchikhite?+

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

What kind of rock does zharchikhite form in?+

Zharchikhite typically forms in greisenized rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is zharchikhite used for?+

Zharchikhite is used in collector.

Find zharchikhite on the map

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