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 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 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
- Na₆ZnTi₄O₄(SiO₃)₈·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 2.90 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or fibrous radial aggregates
- Cleavage
- Parting on {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In pegmatite veins cutting ijolite-urtite rocks in a differentiated alkalic massif
Where rockhounds find kukisvumite
Classic worldwide localities
- Korovskii apatite mine, Mt. Kukisvumchorr, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In pegmatite veins cutting ijolite-urtite rocks in a differentiated alkalic massif. If you start seeing lamprophyllite, arfvedsonite, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular or fibrous radial aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kukisvumite?+
Where is kukisvumite found?+
What rocks look like kukisvumite?+
What minerals are found with kukisvumite?+
What kind of rock does kukisvumite form in?+
What is kukisvumite used for?+
Find kukisvumite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
