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 — that is 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.