Chkalovite is a rare beryllium silicate mineral found primarily in unique alkaline igneous complexes. Collectors prize it for its intense and characteristic bright green fluorescence under shortwave ultraviolet light.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Chkalovite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this chkalovite?

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 chkalovite with a known reference. Chkalovite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chkalovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chkalovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Quartz

Mohs 7

How to tell apart: Quartz is the harder of the two (Mohs 7 vs. 6).

Often found alongside chkalovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂BeSi₂O₆
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 2.66 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Distinct in Three Directions
Fluorescence: Bright Green Under SW UV
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Fluorescent Mineral Study
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 thumbnail to small cabinet

Where rockhounds find chkalovite

Classic worldwide localities

Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify chkalovite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, gray.

Where is chkalovite found?+

Notable localities include Ilimaussaq Complex, Greenland; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is chkalovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 thumbnail to small cabinet. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is chkalovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains beryllium, which is toxic if inhaled or ingested as dust. Use standard safety precautions when handling or breaking samples. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like chkalovite?+

Chkalovite is most often confused with Quartz, Albite, Sodalite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with chkalovite?+

Chkalovite commonly co-occurs with Eudialyte, Sodalite, Microcline, Aegirine, Steenstrupine-(Ce). Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chkalovite form in?+

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

What is chkalovite used for?+

Chkalovite is used in collector, fluorescent mineral study.

Find chkalovite on the map

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