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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark cherry red, dark reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular.
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
- Na₃ZrSi₆O₁₃(OH)₅
- Mohs hardness
- ~5
- Density
- 2.61 g/cm³
- Colors
- Dark cherry redDark reddish brown
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Cleavage
- Imperfect on {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a hyperagpaitic pegmatite in an alkaline massif
Where rockhounds find litvinskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Alluaiv, Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a hyperagpaitic pegmatite in an alkaline massif. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify litvinskite?+
Where is litvinskite found?+
What rocks look like litvinskite?+
What minerals are found with litvinskite?+
What kind of rock does litvinskite form in?+
What is litvinskite used for?+
Find litvinskite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
