Hydrokenopyrochlore is a rare member of the pyrochlore group characterized by its high water content and vacancy in the A-site of its crystal structure. It typically occurs as small, sharp octahedral crystals in alkaline igneous environments and is prized by micromounters and advanced collectors for its distinct chemistry.
Is this hydrokenopyrochlore?
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 hydrokenopyrochlore with a known reference. Hydrokenopyrochlore sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydrokenopyrochlore leaves a light yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydrokenopyrochlore typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often found alongside hydrokenopyrochlore
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydrokenopyrochlore. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- □₂Nb₂O₆(H₂O)
- Mohs hardness
- 5-5.5
- Density
- 4.15-4.32 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites and Nepheline Syenites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and provenance
Where rockhounds find hydrokenopyrochlore
Classic worldwide localities
- Gardar Province, Greenland
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Quebec, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites and nepheline syenites country — that is the host setting where hydrokenopyrochlore typically forms. If you start seeing sodalite, aegirine, arfvedsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hydrokenopyrochlore on the map
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