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 — that is 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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