Kazakovite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral primarily known from the alkaline rocks of the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms pinkish to brownish pseudo-cubic crystals and is highly distinctive for its bright yellow fluorescence under shortwave ultraviolet light.
Is this kazakovite?
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 kazakovite with a known reference. Kazakovite 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. Kazakovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kazakovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, red, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: pseudo-cubic crystals, granular.
Often confused with
Kazakovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kazakovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kazakovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₆MnTiSi₆O₁₈
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.62 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo-cubic Crystals, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Fluorescence
- Bright Yellow Under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kazakovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where kazakovite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudo-cubic crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kazakovite on the map
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