Gorbunovite is a rare titanium-niobium silicate mineral found primarily within the highly alkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif. It typically occurs as small, yellow, platy crystals, requiring careful microscopic examination to distinguish it from related members of the Tundrite group.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTundrite Group family

Gorbunovite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this gorbunovite?

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 gorbunovite with a known reference. Gorbunovite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gorbunovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Gorbunovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish yellow, orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often found alongside gorbunovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₄Ti₂Nb(Si₄O₁₄)(OH,F)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.59 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish Yellow Orange
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Agpaitic Pegmatites in Alkaline Complexes
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find gorbunovite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify gorbunovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brownish yellow, orange.

Where is gorbunovite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is gorbunovite 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 minerals are found with gorbunovite?+

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

What kind of rock does gorbunovite form in?+

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

What is gorbunovite used for?+

Gorbunovite is used in collector.

Find gorbunovite on the map

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