Fersmanite is a rare titanium-rich silicate mineral found primarily in the complex alkaline rocks of the Kola Peninsula. It is typically identified by its distinct wedge-shaped to tabular crystals often associated with other rare alkaline minerals like eudialyte and aegirine.
Is this fersmanite?
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 fersmanite with a known reference. Fersmanite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fersmanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Fersmanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, wedge-shaped, massive.
Often confused with
Fersmanite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Fersmanite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5.5 vs. 2-3).
How to tell apart: Fersmanite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5.5 vs. 3); streak differs, so Fersmanite leaves white, Astrophyllite leaves golden-brown; luster reads vitreous on Fersmanite and submetallic on Astrophyllite.
Often found alongside fersmanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with fersmanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ca,Na,REE)₄(Ti,Nb)₂(Si₂O₇)₂(O,F,OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 3.43 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Wedge-shaped, Massive
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size
Where rockhounds find fersmanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where fersmanite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, wedge-shaped, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find fersmanite on the map
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