Chivruaiite is a rare mineral from the Labuntsovite group typically found in the alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It usually appears as small, vibrant yellow to brownish-yellow prismatic crystals associated with other rare alkaline minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareLabuntsovite Group family

Chivruaiite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this chivruaiite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside chivruaiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (K,Ba,Na)₂(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)(O,OH)₄·5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow Orange-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find chivruaiite

Classic worldwide localities

Chivruay Valley, Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where chivruaiite typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chivruaiite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow, orange-yellow.

Where is chivruaiite found?+

Notable localities include Chivruay Valley, Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is chivruaiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like chivruaiite?+

Chivruaiite is most often confused with Nenadkevichite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chivruaiite?+

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

What kind of rock does chivruaiite form in?+

Chivruaiite typically forms in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is chivruaiite used for?+

Chivruaiite is used in collector.

Find chivruaiite on the map

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