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, 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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