Ivanyukite-K is a rare titanium silicate mineral found primarily in the alkaline massifs of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms small, pale bluish rhombohedral crystals or crusts within pegmatitic cavities, often requiring micro-analysis for definitive identification.
Is this ivanyukite-k?
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-k with a known reference. Ivanyukite-K 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: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: cubic crystals.
Often confused with
Ivanyukite-K vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ivanyukite-k
Minerals reported to co-occur with ivanyukite-k. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Ti₄(SiO₄)₃O₂(OH)₂·9H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~4
- Density
- 2.70 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- 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-k
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-k?+
Where is ivanyukite-k found?+
What rocks look like ivanyukite-k?+
What minerals are found with ivanyukite-k?+
What kind of rock does ivanyukite-k form in?+
What is ivanyukite-k used for?+
Find ivanyukite-k on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
