Chesnokovite is an extremely rare sodium silicate hydrate found primarily in the ultra-alkaline rocks of the Khibiny Massif. It typically occurs as small, delicate, colorless platy crystals associated with other pegmatite minerals. Collectors should handle specimens with extreme care as it is prone to dehydration when exposed to air.
Is this chesnokovite?
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 chesnokovite with a known reference. Chesnokovite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chesnokovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chesnokovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Chesnokovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside chesnokovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chesnokovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂[SiO₂(OH)₂]·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find chesnokovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where chesnokovite typically forms. If you start seeing natrolite, villiaumite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chesnokovite?+
Where is chesnokovite found?+
How much is chesnokovite worth?+
What rocks look like chesnokovite?+
What minerals are found with chesnokovite?+
What kind of rock does chesnokovite form in?+
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Find chesnokovite on the map
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