Eliseevite is a very rare borosilicate mineral found in hyper-agpaitic pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms thin, delicate platy crystals associated with other rare alkaline minerals in complex geological environments.
Is this eliseevite?
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 eliseevite with a known reference. Eliseevite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eliseevite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Eliseevite 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 found alongside eliseevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with eliseevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄Li₅Si₁₂B₃O₃₁F₄·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- expensive collector mineral
Where rockhounds find eliseevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where eliseevite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, eudialyte 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
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Find eliseevite on the map
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