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
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find belyankinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is 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
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Find belyankinite on the map
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