Berezanskite is an extremely rare member of the milarite group primarily known from the Berezovskoe gold deposit in Russia. It typically occurs as small, colorless to pale pink hexagonal prismatic crystals within hydrothermal vein assemblages. It is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in complex silicates and rare framework minerals.
Is this berezanskite?
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 berezanskite with a known reference. Berezanskite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Berezanskite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Berezanskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pinkish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Berezanskite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside berezanskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with berezanskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KLi₃Ti₂Si₁₂O₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.68 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find berezanskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Berezovskoe deposit, Ural Mountains, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where berezanskite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, albite, rutile in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find berezanskite on the map
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