Glagolevite is a rare sodium-rich member of the chlorite group, characterized by its mica-like appearance and pearly luster. It is primarily found as platy or lamellar crystals within the alkaline-ultramafic rocks of the Kovdor Massif, and collectors should look for its distinctive pearly cleavage surfaces.
Is this glagolevite?
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 glagolevite with a known reference. Glagolevite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Glagolevite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Glagolevite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: lamellar to platy crystals, micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Glagolevite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside glagolevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with glagolevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(Mg,Al)₆(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH,O)₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Lamellar to Platy Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline-ultramafic Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find glagolevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kovdor Massif (Kola Peninsula, Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline-ultramafic complexes country — that is the host setting where glagolevite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, forsterite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar to platy crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find glagolevite on the map
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