Ivanyukite-Na is a rare titanium silicate mineral discovered in the alkaline rocks of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms as small, bright yellow, transparent crystals within pegmatite cavities and is highly prized by collectors of rare earth and titanium minerals.
Is this ivanyukite-na?
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-na with a known reference. Ivanyukite-Na 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: colorless, pale brown t type, pale orange c type.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Ivanyukite-Na vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ivanyukite-na
Minerals reported to co-occur with ivanyukite-na. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ti₄(SiO₄)₃O₂(OH)₂·6H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~4
- Density
- 2.60 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {101̄1} (T type)
- 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-na
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: prismatic to tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ivanyukite-na?+
Where is ivanyukite-na found?+
What rocks look like ivanyukite-na?+
What minerals are found with ivanyukite-na?+
What kind of rock does ivanyukite-na form in?+
What is ivanyukite-na used for?+
Find ivanyukite-na on the map
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