Alexkhomyakovite is a rare carbonate mineral discovered in the alkaline massifs of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms small, vibrant yellow rhombohedral crystals within pegmatite veins associated with other rare alkaline minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Alexkhomyakovite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this alexkhomyakovite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Khomyakovite

Mohs 5-6

How to tell apart: Khomyakovite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6 vs. 3-4).

Compare →

Often found alongside alexkhomyakovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₆Sr₇(CO₃)₉Cl₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.88 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatite
Typical price: $100-500 for micro specimens

Where rockhounds find alexkhomyakovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatite country — that is the host setting where alexkhomyakovite typically forms. If you start seeing carbocernaite, apatite, villiaumite 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 alexkhomyakovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is alexkhomyakovite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is alexkhomyakovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for micro specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like alexkhomyakovite?+

Alexkhomyakovite is most often confused with Khomyakovite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with alexkhomyakovite?+

Alexkhomyakovite commonly co-occurs with Carbocernaite, Apatite, Villiaumite, Natrolite, Potassian fluor-richterite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does alexkhomyakovite form in?+

Alexkhomyakovite typically forms in alkaline pegmatite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is alexkhomyakovite used for?+

Alexkhomyakovite is used in collector.

Find alexkhomyakovite on the map

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