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, 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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