Golyshevite is a very rare member of the eudialyte group primarily found in alkaline igneous complexes. It typically presents as small rhombohedral crystals embedded within nepheline-rich pegmatites and is distinguished from other group members through advanced chemical analysis.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Golyshevite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this golyshevite?

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 golyshevite with a known reference. Golyshevite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Golyshevite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Golyshevite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside golyshevite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₁₀Ca₁₂Zr₆Fe³⁺₃Si₂₆O₇₂Cl₄
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.85 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Agpaitic Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find golyshevite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in agpaitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where golyshevite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify golyshevite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, reddish-brown.

Where is golyshevite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is golyshevite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like golyshevite?+

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

What minerals are found with golyshevite?+

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

What kind of rock does golyshevite form in?+

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

What is golyshevite used for?+

Golyshevite is used in collector.

Find golyshevite on the map

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