Gerasimovskite is a rare hydrated niobium-titanium hydroxide mineral found primarily in alkaline igneous environments. It typically occurs as massive, dull brown coatings or earthy crusts and is challenging to identify without advanced chemical testing due to its inconspicuous appearance.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

Yellowish-white

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Gerasimovskite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Dull
Streak: Yellowish-white
Transparency: Opaque

Is this gerasimovskite?

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 gerasimovskite with a known reference. Gerasimovskite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gerasimovskite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Gerasimovskite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: massive, crusts, earthy aggregates.

Often found alongside gerasimovskite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Nb,Ti,Fe,Mn)(OH)₅·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Yellowish-brown Yellow
Streak: Yellowish-white
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Amorphous
Crystal habit: Massive, Crusts, Earthy Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: varies, generally sold as micro-specimen material

Where rockhounds find gerasimovskite

Classic worldwide localities

Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where gerasimovskite typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, aegirine, lomonosovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, crusts, earthy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify gerasimovskite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is yellowish-white. Common colors include brown, yellowish-brown, yellow.

Where is gerasimovskite found?+

Notable localities include Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is gerasimovskite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of varies, generally sold as micro-specimen material. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with gerasimovskite?+

Gerasimovskite commonly co-occurs with Eudialyte, Aegirine, Lomonosovite, Nepheline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does gerasimovskite form in?+

Gerasimovskite typically forms in nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is gerasimovskite used for?+

Gerasimovskite is used in collector.

Find gerasimovskite on the map

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