Faizievite is an extremely rare silicate mineral found in alkaline pegmatites, specifically in the Dara-i-Pioz glacier region of Tajikistan. It typically occurs as small, pale yellow transparent prismatic crystals that are structurally related to the milarite-osumilite group. Collectors prioritize it for its high rarity and specific geological locality.
Is this faizievite?
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 faizievite with a known reference. Faizievite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Faizievite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Faizievite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Faizievite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside faizievite
Minerals reported to co-occur with faizievite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Li₂Li₃(Ti,Fe,Mn)₂Si₁₂O₃₀
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.98 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find faizievite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where faizievite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find faizievite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
