Belkovite is a rare barium-niobium silicate mineral found primarily in the alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small, dark prismatic to tabular crystals associated with other niobium-bearing minerals.

Hardness

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Belkovite

Hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this belkovite?

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 belkovite with a known reference. Belkovite sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Belkovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Belkovite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, dark brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Eudialyte

Mohs 5-6

How to tell apart: Luster reads resinous on Belkovite and vitreous on Eudialyte.

How to tell apart: Lorenzenite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 4.5-5); luster reads resinous on Belkovite and adamantine on Lorenzenite.

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Often found alongside belkovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ba,Na)₄(Nb,Ti)₂Si₄O₁₇(O,OH,F)₂
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Density: 4.08 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Dark Brown Black
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find belkovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where belkovite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify belkovite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include brown, dark brown, black.

Where is belkovite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is belkovite 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.

Is belkovite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Belkovite contains trace amounts of radioactive elements; it should be handled with standard mineral collecting safety precautions, such as washing hands after handling and avoiding dust inhalation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like belkovite?+

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

What minerals are found with belkovite?+

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

What kind of rock does belkovite form in?+

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

What is belkovite used for?+

Belkovite is used in collector.

Find belkovite on the map

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