Ershovite is a rare silicate mineral found in the unique alkaline igneous rocks of the Khibiny Massif. It typically forms as delicate, translucent, tabular crystals or radial sprays within cavities of pegmatites.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Ershovite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this ershovite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Raite

Mohs 2-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ershovite leaves white, Raite leaves yellowish-white; luster reads vitreous on Ershovite and pearly on Raite.

Often found alongside ershovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₄K(Fe³⁺,Mn,Ti)Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.58 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ershovite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ershovite typically forms. If you start seeing natrolite, microcline, pectolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ershovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is ershovite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is ershovite worth?+

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

What rocks look like ershovite?+

Ershovite is most often confused with Raite, Zorite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ershovite?+

Ershovite commonly co-occurs with natrolite, microcline, pectolite, aegirine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ershovite form in?+

Ershovite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ershovite used for?+

Ershovite is used in collector.

Find ershovite on the map

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