Komarovite is a rare niobate-silicate mineral typically found in the alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It often appears as small, platy, light-colored crystals or radial clusters associated with other rare earth minerals.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Komarovite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this komarovite?

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 komarovite with a known reference. Komarovite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Komarovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Komarovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

Komarovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside komarovite

Minerals reported to co-occur with komarovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca)₂(Nb,Ti)₂(Si,O,OH,F)₇
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association

Where rockhounds find komarovite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where komarovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, eudialyte, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify komarovite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, white.

Where is komarovite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is komarovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is komarovite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains radioactive elements; store in a shielded container and avoid prolonged handling or dust inhalation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like komarovite?+

Komarovite is most often confused with Nenadkevichite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with komarovite?+

Komarovite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Eudialyte, Microcline, Nepheline, Lomonosovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does komarovite form in?+

Komarovite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is komarovite used for?+

Komarovite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find komarovite on the map

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