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, 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?+
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Find kudryavtsevaite on the map
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