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 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ivanyukite-Cu leaves a pale green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ivanyukite-Cu typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: green, yellowish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: equant rhombohedral 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
- Na₄CuTi₂Si₈O₂₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.55 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant Rhombohedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ivanyukite-cu
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ivanyukite-cu typically forms. If you start seeing natrolite, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ivanyukite-cu?+
Where is ivanyukite-cu found?+
How much is ivanyukite-cu worth?+
What rocks look like ivanyukite-cu?+
What minerals are found with ivanyukite-cu?+
What kind of rock does ivanyukite-cu form in?+
What is ivanyukite-cu used for?+
Find ivanyukite-cu on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
