Ilyukhinite is a rare member of the eudialyte group typically found in agpaitic alkaline igneous complexes. Collectors look for its characteristic pink to brownish rhombohedral crystals or massive granular masses often embedded in nepheline-rich syenites.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Ilyukhinite

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

No image

Is this ilyukhinite?

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 ilyukhinite with a known reference. Ilyukhinite 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. Ilyukhinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ilyukhinite 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, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ilyukhinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (H₃O,Na,K)₁₅(Ca,Mn)₆(Fe,Zr)₃(Si₃O₉)₂(Si₉O₂₇)₂O₂(OH,H₂O)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ilyukhinite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify ilyukhinite?+

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

Where is ilyukhinite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is ilyukhinite 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.

Is ilyukhinite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Ilyukhinite contains potassium-40 and potentially traces of radioactive elements within the eudialyte group; handle with care and wash hands after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ilyukhinite?+

Ilyukhinite 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 ilyukhinite?+

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

What kind of rock does ilyukhinite form in?+

Ilyukhinite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ilyukhinite used for?+

Ilyukhinite is used in collector.

Find ilyukhinite on the map

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