Mogovidite is a rare titanium-bearing garnet species characterized by its dark, often near-black appearance. Collectors typically find it in alkaline complexes, where it forms distinct dodecahedral crystals associated with nepheline syenites and related igneous rocks.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Mogovidite

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this mogovidite?

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 mogovidite with a known reference. Mogovidite sits at Mohs 7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Mogovidite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Mogovidite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals, granular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside mogovidite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃Ca₂Fe₂Ti₃Si₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 3.8-4.0 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find mogovidite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where mogovidite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, titanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify mogovidite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is mogovidite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is mogovidite 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 mogovidite?+

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

What minerals are found with mogovidite?+

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

What kind of rock does mogovidite form in?+

Mogovidite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is mogovidite used for?+

Mogovidite is used in collector.

Find mogovidite on the map

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