Ivanyukite-Cu is a rare titanium silicate mineral found primarily within the alkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif. It typically occurs as small, sharp rhombohedral crystals that are prized by mineral collectors for their vibrant green color and crystalline clarity.
Is this ivanyukite-cu?
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 ivanyukite-cu with a known reference. Ivanyukite-Cu sits at Mohs ~4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bright green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: cubic crystals.
Often confused with
Ivanyukite-Cu vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ivanyukite-cu
Minerals reported to co-occur with ivanyukite-cu. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuTi₄(SiO₄)₃O₂(OH)₂·7H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~4
- Density
- 2.70 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Cubic crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A late-stage, hydrothermal phase in natrolitized microcline-aegirine-sodalite lens in orthoclase-bearing urtite
Where rockhounds find ivanyukite-cu
Classic worldwide localities
- Koashva Quarry, Koashva Mountain, Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A late-stage, hydrothermal phase in natrolitized microcline-aegirine-sodalite lens in orthoclase-bearing urtite. If you start seeing microcline, vinogradovite, sazykinaite- in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: cubic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ivanyukite-cu?+
Where is ivanyukite-cu found?+
Is ivanyukite-cu safe to handle?+
What rocks look like ivanyukite-cu?+
What minerals are found with ivanyukite-cu?+
What kind of rock does ivanyukite-cu form in?+
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Find ivanyukite-cu on the map
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