Kazanskyite is a rare titanium-niobium silicate mineral belonging to the lamprophyllite group, typically found in alkaline igneous complexes. Collectors identify it by its characteristic yellowish-brown platy habit and strong association with nepheline syenite environments. It was first described from the Khibiny massif and remains a highly sought-after specimen for systematic mineral collectors.
Is this kazanskyite?
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 kazanskyite with a known reference. Kazanskyite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kazanskyite leaves a light yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kazanskyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Kazanskyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kazanskyite leaves light yellow, Lamprophyllite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kazanskyite leaves light yellow, Barytolamprophyllite leaves yellowish; luster reads vitreous on Kazanskyite and pearly on Barytolamprophyllite.
Often found alongside kazanskyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kazanskyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Sr₂Ba₄Ti₂NbSi₄O₁₇(OH,O)₂F
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kazanskyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where kazanskyite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kazanskyite?+
Where is kazanskyite found?+
How much is kazanskyite worth?+
What rocks look like kazanskyite?+
What minerals are found with kazanskyite?+
What kind of rock does kazanskyite form in?+
What is kazanskyite used for?+
Find kazanskyite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
