Kapustinite is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the lomonosovite group, typically found in agpaitic alkaline igneous rocks. Collectors usually identify it by its yellowish-orange color and distinct platy or tabular habit in pegmatitic environments within the Kola Peninsula.
Is this kapustinite?
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 kapustinite with a known reference. Kapustinite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kapustinite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kapustinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular.
Often confused with
Kapustinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kapustinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kapustinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂₆Zr₃Ti[Si₂O₇]₄O₂F₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kapustinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif (Kola Peninsula, Russia)
- Lovozero Massif (Kola Peninsula, Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite country — that is the host setting where kapustinite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kapustinite on the map
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