Feklichevite is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the eudialyte group, primarily identified in the hyper-alkaline complexes of the Kola Peninsula. Collectors look for its characteristic tabular crystal habit often associated with nepheline syenites and pegmatitic intrusions.
Is this feklichevite?
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 feklichevite with a known reference. Feklichevite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Feklichevite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Feklichevite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Feklichevite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside feklichevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with feklichevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃₀Ca₆(Fe²⁺₃Zr₃Nb)Si₂₄O₇₂(OH)₃·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites and Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find feklichevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites and alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where feklichevite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find feklichevite on the map
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