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.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Khomyakovite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Is this khomyakovite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch khomyakovite with a known reference. Khomyakovite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: orange, orange red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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: Na₁₂Ca₆Sr₃Fe₃WZr₃(Si₂₅O₇₃)(O,OH,H₂O)₃(Cl,OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.14 g/cm³
Colors: Orange Orange red
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral crystals, granular masses
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In miarolitic cavities in nepheline syenite in an alkaline intrusive complex

Where rockhounds find khomyakovite

Classic worldwide localities

Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In miarolitic cavities in nepheline syenite in an alkaline intrusive complex. If you start seeing analcime, annite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, granular masses. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify khomyakovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include orange, orange red.

Where is khomyakovite found?+

Notable localities include Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada (type locality).

What rocks look like khomyakovite?+

Khomyakovite is most often confused with Eudialyte, Kentbrooksite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with khomyakovite?+

Khomyakovite commonly co-occurs with Analcime, Annite, Calcite, Natrolite, Pyrite, Titanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does khomyakovite form in?+

Where it forms: In miarolitic cavities in nepheline syenite in an alkaline intrusive complex. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is khomyakovite used for?+

Khomyakovite is used in collector.

Find khomyakovite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.