Chirvinskyite is an extremely rare silicate mineral typically found as small, thin tabular crystals in alkaline pegmatite environments. Collectors primarily find it as a microscopic or thumbnail specimen associated with other rare-earth bearing minerals from the Khibiny Massif. Identification usually requires professional analysis or XRD due to its superficial resemblance to other complex sheet silicates in the region.
Is this chirvinskyite?
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 chirvinskyite with a known reference. Chirvinskyite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chirvinskyite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chirvinskyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Chirvinskyite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chirvinskyite leaves white, Astrophyllite leaves golden-brown; luster reads vitreous on Chirvinskyite and submetallic on Astrophyllite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chirvinskyite leaves white, Kupletskite leaves brown; luster reads vitreous on Chirvinskyite and submetallic on Kupletskite.
Often found alongside chirvinskyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chirvinskyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Na,Ba)₄(Fe,Mn,Ti,Nb)₄(Si₂O₇)₂(OH,F)₄·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.7-2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300+ depending on matrix association
Where rockhounds find chirvinskyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where chirvinskyite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline 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 chirvinskyite on the map
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