Makarochkinite is an extremely rare silicate mineral belonging to the sapphirine supergroup. It is primarily found as anhedral grains within syenite pegmatites in the Ilmen Mountains of the southern Urals, Russia.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Brownish

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSapphirine Supergroup family

Makarochkinite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Brownish
Transparency: Opaque

Is this makarochkinite?

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 makarochkinite with a known reference. Makarochkinite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Makarochkinite leaves a brownish streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Makarochkinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

Makarochkinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Sapphirine

Mohs 7.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Makarochkinite leaves brownish, Sapphirine leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Makarochkinite leaves brownish, Aenigmatite leaves reddish-brown.

Compare →

Often found alongside makarochkinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe²⁺,Mg)₄Fe³⁺₃TiSi₂BeO₁₈
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 3.59 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Black
Streak: Brownish
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find makarochkinite

Classic worldwide localities

Ilmen Mountains, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where makarochkinite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, albite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify makarochkinite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is brownish. Common colors include dark brown, black.

Where is makarochkinite found?+

Notable localities include Ilmen Mountains, Russia.

How much is makarochkinite 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 makarochkinite?+

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

What minerals are found with makarochkinite?+

Makarochkinite commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Albite, Quartz, Zircon, Ilmenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does makarochkinite form in?+

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

What is makarochkinite used for?+

Makarochkinite is used in collector.

Find makarochkinite on the map

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