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, so Kazanskyite leaves light yellow, Lamprophyllite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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
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Find kazanskyite on the map
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