Litvinskite is a rare member of the lovozerite group typically found in agpaitic alkaline massifs. Collectors identify it by its distinct pink to reddish-brown hue and association with other rare zirconium and titanium silicates in nepheline syenites.
Is this litvinskite?
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 litvinskite with a known reference. Litvinskite 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. Litvinskite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Litvinskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, red, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: pseudo-hexagonal crystals, granular, massive.
Often confused with
Litvinskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside litvinskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with litvinskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄MnTiSi₈O₂₀(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Pseudo-hexagonal Crystals, Granular, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find litvinskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where litvinskite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudo-hexagonal crystals, granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find litvinskite on the map
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