Moskvinite-(Y) is an exceptionally rare silicate mineral found in the hyperalkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals associated with other rare alkaline minerals. It is a prized addition for advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its restricted geographical occurrence.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Moskvinite-(Y)

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this moskvinite-(y)?

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 moskvinite-(y) with a known reference. Moskvinite-(Y) sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Moskvinite-(Y) leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Moskvinite-(Y) 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: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Moskvinite-(Y) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside moskvinite-(y)

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂K(Y,REE)Si₆O₁₅·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.59 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find moskvinite-(y)

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where moskvinite-(y) typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, arfvedsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify moskvinite-(y)?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is moskvinite-(y) found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is moskvinite-(y) worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like moskvinite-(y)?+

Moskvinite-(Y) is most often confused with Eudialyte, Khibinskite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with moskvinite-(y)?+

Moskvinite-(Y) commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Aegirine, Arfvedsonite, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does moskvinite-(y) form in?+

Moskvinite-(Y) typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is moskvinite-(y) used for?+

Moskvinite-(Y) is used in collector.

Find moskvinite-(y) on the map

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