Khomyakovite is a rare member of the eudialyte group typically found in highly alkaline intrusive rocks. It is most recognized for its vibrant red to orange-red coloration and is primarily sought after by advanced collectors of rare minerals from alkaline pegmatites.
Is this khomyakovite?
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 khomyakovite with a known reference. Khomyakovite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Khomyakovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Khomyakovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, orange-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, granular masses.
Often confused with
Khomyakovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside khomyakovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with khomyakovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₁₂Sr₆Ca₆Fe₃Zr₃Si₂₅O₇₃(O,OH,H₂O)₃(Cl,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.95 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral Crystals, Granular Masses
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find khomyakovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous complexes country, the host setting where khomyakovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, arfvedsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, granular masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find khomyakovite on the map
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