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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Faizievite

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

No image

Is this faizievite?

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 faizievite with a known reference. Faizievite 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. Faizievite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Faizievite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Beryl

Mohs 7.5-8

How to tell apart: Beryl is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5-8 vs. 6).

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: Yellow Pale Yellow
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, 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

How do you identify faizievite?+

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

Where is faizievite found?+

Notable localities include Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan.

How much is faizievite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like faizievite?+

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

What minerals are found with faizievite?+

Faizievite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Aegirine, Pyrochlore. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does faizievite form in?+

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

What is faizievite used for?+

Faizievite is used in collector.

Find faizievite on the map

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