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 ~6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: grayish black.
- 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.
How to tell apart: Kudryavtsevaite is noticeably harder (Mohs ~6 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Kudryavtsevaite leaves black, Lamprophyllite leaves pale yellow, may have an orange tint; luster reads vitreous on Kudryavtsevaite and submetallic on cleavages on Lamprophyllite.
How to tell apart: Kudryavtsevaite is noticeably harder (Mohs ~6 vs. 4-5); streak differs, so Kudryavtsevaite leaves black, Seidozerite leaves yellow-brown.
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
- Na₃MgFeTi₄O₁₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~6
- Density
- 3.845 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a serpentinized xenolith in kimberlite
Where rockhounds find kudryavtsevaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Orapa area, Botswana
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a serpentinized xenolith in kimberlite. If you start seeing mg-rich ilmenite, freudenbergite, ulvöspinel in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kudryavtsevaite?+
Where is kudryavtsevaite found?+
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
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