Isolueshite is a rare member of the perovskite group, typically found in alkaline igneous complexes like the Khibiny Massif in Russia. It presents as small, dark cubic crystals and is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare earth or niobium-bearing species.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePerovskite Group family

Isolueshite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this isolueshite?

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 isolueshite with a known reference. Isolueshite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Isolueshite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Isolueshite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: cubic crystals, grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Perovskite

Mohs 5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Isolueshite leaves black, Perovskite leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Isolueshite and adamantine on Perovskite.

Often found alongside isolueshite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Pb,Ca)(Nb,Ti,Fe)O₃
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 4.7-4.8 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Cubic Crystals, Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and provenance

Where rockhounds find isolueshite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Khibiny Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, pegmatites country — that is the host setting where isolueshite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, loparite-(ce) in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a cubic crystals, grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify isolueshite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is isolueshite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Khibiny Massif, Russia.

How much is isolueshite worth?+

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

What rocks look like isolueshite?+

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

What minerals are found with isolueshite?+

Isolueshite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Loparite-(Ce), Titanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does isolueshite form in?+

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

What is isolueshite used for?+

Isolueshite is used in collector.

Find isolueshite on the map

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