Maleevite is an extremely rare borosilicate mineral found almost exclusively in the Murun Massif of Russia. It is a member of the Danburite group and typically occurs as transparent, prismatic to tabular crystals embedded in alkaline rocks. Collectors prize it for its unique chemical composition and restricted geographic occurrence.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareDanburite Group family

Maleevite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this maleevite?

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 maleevite with a known reference. Maleevite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Maleevite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Maleevite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside maleevite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: SrB₂Si₂O₈
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.16 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic to Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Syenites
Typical price: $50-300 per crystal specimen

Where rockhounds find maleevite

Classic worldwide localities

Murun Massif, Yakutia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline syenites country — that is the host setting where maleevite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, diopside in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify maleevite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is maleevite found?+

Notable localities include Murun Massif, Yakutia, Russia.

How much is maleevite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per crystal specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like maleevite?+

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

What minerals are found with maleevite?+

Maleevite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Diopside, Charoite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does maleevite form in?+

Maleevite typically forms in alkaline syenites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is maleevite used for?+

Maleevite is used in collector.

Find maleevite on the map

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