Kuzmenkoite-Mn is a rare member of the labuntsovite group found primarily in alkaline pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, yellow to brown prismatic crystals often forming radial sprays on matrix.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareLabuntsovite Group family

Kuzmenkoite-Mn

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this kuzmenkoite-mn?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch kuzmenkoite-mn with a known reference. Kuzmenkoite-Mn sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, dark orange, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic.

Often confused with

Kuzmenkoite-Mn vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Labuntsovite-Mn

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Labuntsovite-Mn is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 5); luster reads vitreous on Kuzmenkoite-Mn and greasy on Labuntsovite-Mn.

Often found alongside kuzmenkoite-mn

Minerals reported to co-occur with kuzmenkoite-mn. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂MnTi₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(OH)₄·5-6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.67 g/cm³
Colors: YellowDark orangeColorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic
Cleavage: Imperfect cleavages in several unspecified directions
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A late hydrothermal phase in minute cavities in albitized murmanite-bearing lujavrites

Where rockhounds find kuzmenkoite-mn

Classic worldwide localities

Mt. Flora (north ridge of Mt. Selsurt), northern Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A late hydrothermal phase in minute cavities in albitized murmanite-bearing lujavrites. If you start seeing natrolite, labuntsovite, calciohilairite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kuzmenkoite-mn?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, dark orange, colorless.

Where is kuzmenkoite-mn found?+

Notable localities include Mt. Flora (north ridge of Mt. Selsurt), northern Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like kuzmenkoite-mn?+

Kuzmenkoite-Mn is most often confused with Labuntsovite-Mn, Nenadkevichite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kuzmenkoite-mn?+

Kuzmenkoite-Mn commonly co-occurs with Natrolite, Labuntsovite, Calciohilairite, Vinogradovite, Carbonate-fluorapatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kuzmenkoite-mn form in?+

Where it forms: A late hydrothermal phase in minute cavities in albitized murmanite-bearing lujavrites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kuzmenkoite-mn used for?+

Kuzmenkoite-Mn is used in collector.

Find kuzmenkoite-mn on the map

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