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 — that is 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.