Lovozerite is a rare zirconium-titanium silicate that typically occurs as an alteration product of eudialyte in alkaline igneous complexes. It is usually found as brown to pinkish-red equant grains or granular aggregates embedded within nepheline syenite rocks.
Is this lovozerite?
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 lovozerite with a known reference. Lovozerite 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. Lovozerite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lovozerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, brown, black, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: equant grains, pseudo-cubic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Lovozerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lovozerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with lovozerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂Ca(Zr,Ti)Si₆(O,OH)₁₈
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.38-2.60 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant Grains, Pseudo-cubic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find lovozerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
- Aris Quarries, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where lovozerite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, nepheline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant grains, pseudo-cubic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lovozerite?+
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How much is lovozerite worth?+
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Find lovozerite on the map
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