Lepkhenelmite-Zn is a rare member of the labuntsovite group of minerals, typically found as small, elongated prismatic crystals in alkaline pegmatites. It is visually indistinguishable from other group members without advanced chemical analysis and is primarily prized by advanced mineral collectors of rare zeolitic or titanosilicate species.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareLabuntsovite Group family

Lepkhenelmite-Zn

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

No image

Is this lepkhenelmite-zn?

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 lepkhenelmite-zn with a known reference. Lepkhenelmite-Zn 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. Lepkhenelmite-Zn leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lepkhenelmite-Zn typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.

Often found alongside lepkhenelmite-zn

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (K,Na,Ba,H₂O)₄(Zn,Ti,Nb)₂(Ti,Nb)₂(Si₄O₁₂)₂(O,OH)₄·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.85 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow Brown
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 lepkhenelmite-zn

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where lepkhenelmite-zn 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 lepkhenelmite-zn?+

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

Where is lepkhenelmite-zn found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is lepkhenelmite-zn 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.

What minerals are found with lepkhenelmite-zn?+

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

What kind of rock does lepkhenelmite-zn form in?+

Lepkhenelmite-Zn typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lepkhenelmite-zn used for?+

Lepkhenelmite-Zn is used in collector.

Find lepkhenelmite-zn on the map

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