Kudryavtsevaite is an extremely rare silicate mineral found in the hyperalkaline pegmatites of the Lovozero Massif. It typically forms as small tabular crystals associated with other complex titanium-silicates in alkaline igneous rocks.
Is this kudryavtsevaite?
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 kudryavtsevaite with a known reference. Kudryavtsevaite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kudryavtsevaite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kudryavtsevaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.
Often confused with
Kudryavtsevaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kudryavtsevaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kudryavtsevaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃MgTi₃(Si₂O₇)O₂F
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 for high-quality specimens
Where rockhounds find kudryavtsevaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kudryavtsevaite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kudryavtsevaite?+
Where is kudryavtsevaite found?+
How much is kudryavtsevaite worth?+
What rocks look like kudryavtsevaite?+
What minerals are found with kudryavtsevaite?+
What kind of rock does kudryavtsevaite form in?+
What is kudryavtsevaite used for?+
Find kudryavtsevaite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
