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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareLovozerite Group family

Litvinskite

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

No image

Is this litvinskite?

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 litvinskite with a known reference. Litvinskite 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. Litvinskite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Litvinskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, red, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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
Colors: Pink Red Brown
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 — that is 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

How do you identify litvinskite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, red, brown.

Where is litvinskite found?+

Notable localities include Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is litvinskite 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 rocks look like litvinskite?+

Litvinskite is most often confused with Lovozerite, Eudialyte. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with litvinskite?+

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

What kind of rock does litvinskite form in?+

Litvinskite typically forms in agpaitic nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is litvinskite used for?+

Litvinskite is used in collector.

Find litvinskite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.