Belyankinite is a rare hydrated calcium titanium silicate typically found as a secondary mineral in alkaline igneous environments. It is most often identified as soft, whitish masses associated with complex titanium-silicate assemblages in the Khibiny and Lovozero massifs.
Is this belyankinite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch belyankinite with a known reference. Belyankinite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Belyankinite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Belyankinite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish-white, colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive, fine-grained aggregates.
Often confused with
Belyankinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside belyankinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with belyankinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₁₂Ti₁₀Si₈O₄₅·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.1-2.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Fine-grained Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find belyankinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where belyankinite typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, fine-grained aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify belyankinite?+
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What rocks look like belyankinite?+
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Find belyankinite on the map
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