Labuntsovite-Fe is a rare member of the complex labuntsovite group of titanium silicates. It typically forms small, prismatic to tabular crystals in alkaline pegmatites and is most sought after by advanced micromount and systematic collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent to transparent

mineralrareLabuntsovite Group family

Labuntsovite-Fe

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent to transparent

Is this labuntsovite-fe?

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 labuntsovite-fe with a known reference. Labuntsovite-Fe 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: orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Labuntsovite-Fe and silky, vitreous to waxy or dull on Elpidite.

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Often found alongside labuntsovite-fe

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₄K₄Fe₂Ti₈O₄(Si₄O₁₂)₄(OH)₄·10-12H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.94 g/cm³
Colors: Orange
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent to transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In K-feldspar-natrolite-calcite veinlets in hydrothermally altered urtite

Where rockhounds find labuntsovite-fe

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In K-feldspar-natrolite-calcite veinlets in hydrothermally altered urtite. If you start seeing pectolite, fluorite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify labuntsovite-fe?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include orange.

Where is labuntsovite-fe found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

What rocks look like labuntsovite-fe?+

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

What minerals are found with labuntsovite-fe?+

Labuntsovite-Fe commonly co-occurs with Pectolite, Fluorite, Aegirine, Neskevaaraite-Fe. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does labuntsovite-fe form in?+

Where it forms: In K-feldspar-natrolite-calcite veinlets in hydrothermally altered urtite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is labuntsovite-fe used for?+

Labuntsovite-Fe is used in collector.

Find labuntsovite-fe on the map

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