Lemmleinite-K is a rare mineral belonging to the labuntsovite group, typically found as small, vibrant yellow to orange-yellow prismatic crystals. It is primarily identified within the alkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif in Russia, often associated with microcline and aegirine.
Is this lemmleinite-k?
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 lemmleinite-k with a known reference. Lemmleinite-K sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lemmleinite-K leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lemmleinite-K typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Lemmleinite-K vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lemmleinite-k
Minerals reported to co-occur with lemmleinite-k. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Na(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(OH,O)₄·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find lemmleinite-k
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where lemmleinite-k typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lemmleinite-k?+
Where is lemmleinite-k found?+
How much is lemmleinite-k worth?+
What rocks look like lemmleinite-k?+
What minerals are found with lemmleinite-k?+
What kind of rock does lemmleinite-k form in?+
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Find lemmleinite-k on the map
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