Kukisvumite is a rare titanium silicate typically found as delicate, needle-like fibers within the alkaline complexes of the Kola Peninsula. It is highly sought after by collectors for its aesthetic acicular habits and unique paragenesis in pegmatite cavities. Careful handling is required due to the fragility of its fibrous crystal clusters.
Is this kukisvumite?
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 kukisvumite with a known reference. Kukisvumite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kukisvumite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kukisvumite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Kukisvumite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kukisvumite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kukisvumite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₆Ti₂Si₈O₂₄·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Fibrous Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kukisvumite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kukisvumite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or fibrous radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kukisvumite?+
Where is kukisvumite found?+
How much is kukisvumite worth?+
What rocks look like kukisvumite?+
What minerals are found with kukisvumite?+
What kind of rock does kukisvumite form in?+
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Find kukisvumite on the map
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