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 — that is 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.