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 — that is 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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