Andrianovite is a rare member of the eudialyte group found in alkaline igneous complexes. It typically presents as small yellow to brown granular aggregates and is primarily of interest to systematic mineral collectors specializing in complex silicates.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Andrianovite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Is this andrianovite?

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 andrianovite with a known reference. Andrianovite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside andrianovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₁₂(K,Sr,Ce)₃Ca₆Mn₃Zr₃Nb(Si₂₅O₇₃)(O,H₂O,OH)₅
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.93 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: Imperfect on (001)
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In hyperperalkaline pegmatite in an alkaline massif

Where rockhounds find andrianovite

Classic worldwide localities

Koashva mine, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In hyperperalkaline pegmatite in an alkaline massif. If you start seeing aegirine, sodalite, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify andrianovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is andrianovite found?+

Notable localities include Koashva mine, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like andrianovite?+

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

What minerals are found with andrianovite?+

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

What kind of rock does andrianovite form in?+

Where it forms: In hyperperalkaline pegmatite in an alkaline massif. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is andrianovite used for?+

Andrianovite is used in collector.

Find andrianovite on the map

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