Calcinaksite is a very rare silicate mineral typically found in the alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It is generally discovered as small, colorless to white tabular crystals embedded within complex igneous mineral assemblages. Collectors prize it primarily for its scarcity and specific geological occurrence.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Calcinaksite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this calcinaksite?

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 calcinaksite with a known reference. Calcinaksite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Calcinaksite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Calcinaksite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Apophyllite

Mohs 4.5-5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Calcinaksite and vitreous to pearly on Apophyllite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Calcinaksite and vitreous to silky on Pectolite.

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Often found alongside calcinaksite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KNaCaSi₄O₁₀·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 2.75 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find calcinaksite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where calcinaksite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, eudialyte 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

How do you identify calcinaksite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is calcinaksite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is calcinaksite 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.

What rocks look like calcinaksite?+

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

What minerals are found with calcinaksite?+

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

What kind of rock does calcinaksite form in?+

Calcinaksite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is calcinaksite used for?+

Calcinaksite is used in collector.

Find calcinaksite on the map

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