Akopovaite is a rare lithium-bearing member of the hydrotalcite group typically found as small, thin, platy crystals. It is primarily identified within the hyperagpaitic rocks of the Kola Peninsula, appearing in mineral-rich alkaline pegmatite pockets.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareHydrotalcite Group family

Akopovaite

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

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Is this akopovaite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside akopovaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: LiAl₂(OH)₆(Cl,CO₃)₀.5·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.05 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find akopovaite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where akopovaite typically forms. If you start seeing natrolite, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify akopovaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is akopovaite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is akopovaite 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 akopovaite?+

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

What minerals are found with akopovaite?+

Akopovaite commonly co-occurs with Natrolite, Aegirine, Microcline, Lomonosovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does akopovaite form in?+

Akopovaite typically forms in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is akopovaite used for?+

Akopovaite is used in collector.

Find akopovaite on the map

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