Kamenevite is a rare potassium-zirconium silicate found primarily in the hyperalkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white tabular crystals often forming subparallel aggregates in association with other rare alkaline minerals.
Is this kamenevite?
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 kamenevite with a known reference. Kamenevite 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, white in aggregates.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates.
Often confused with
Kamenevite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kamenevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kamenevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂TiSi₃O₉·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- ~4
- Density
- 2.69 g/cm³
- Colors
- ColorlessWhite in aggregates
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates
- Cleavage
- Good on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A late-stage hydrothermal mineral in K-rich peralkaline pegmatites related to rischorrites associated with apatite-nepheline rocks
Where rockhounds find kamenevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Oleniy Ruchey (Reindeer Stream) mine, Mt. Suoluaiv and the Rasvumchorr mine, Mt. Rasvumchorr, Khibiny complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A late-stage hydrothermal mineral in K-rich peralkaline pegmatites related to rischorrites associated with apatite-nepheline rocks. If you start seeing lomonosovite, aegirine, lamprophyllite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kamenevite?+
Where is kamenevite found?+
What rocks look like kamenevite?+
What minerals are found with kamenevite?+
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What is kamenevite used for?+
Find kamenevite on the map
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