Laverovite is a rare member of the eudialyte group typically found in agpaitic alkaline igneous complexes. It is recognized by its tabular habit and distinctive yellowish-brown color, usually occurring in pegmatitic segregations alongside other rare zirconium minerals.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareEudialyte Group family

Laverovite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this laverovite?

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 laverovite with a known reference. Laverovite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Laverovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Laverovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside laverovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂Na(Fe²⁺,Mn)₇(Zr,Ti)₂(Si₆O₁₈)₂(OH,F)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.08 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find laverovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where laverovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify laverovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is laverovite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada.

How much is laverovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is laverovite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains minor radioactive elements; handle with standard mineral safety precautions and store away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like laverovite?+

Laverovite is most often confused with Eudialyte, Kentbrooksite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with laverovite?+

Laverovite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Microcline, Arfvedsonite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does laverovite form in?+

Laverovite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is laverovite used for?+

Laverovite is used in collector.

Find laverovite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.