Cavacivinite is a rare calcium silicate mineral typically found in the complex alkaline environments of the Khibiny Massif and Mont Saint-Hilaire. Collectors look for its characteristic tabular orthorhombic crystals associated with rare-earth mineral assemblages in pegmatitic veins.
Is this cabvinite?
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 cabvinite with a known reference. Cabvinite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cabvinite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cabvinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Cabvinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cabvinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cabvinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄Si₂O₇(F,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find cabvinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where cabvinite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find cabvinite on the map
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