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.
Is this moskvinite-(y)?
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 moskvinite-(y) with a known reference. Moskvinite-(Y) 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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: irregular grains.
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
- Na₂KYSi₆O₁₅
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.91 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Irregular grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a boulder of coarse-grained, reedmergnerite-bearing pegmatite in the moraine of the Dara-i-Pioz glacier, Alai mountain ridge, Tien-Shan Mountains, northern Tajikistan
Where rockhounds find moskvinite-(y)
Classic worldwide localities
- Dara-i-Pioz moraine, Tien-Shan Mountains, Tajikistan
- Drill core at Kvanefjeld, Ilímaussaq alkaline complex, South Greenland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a boulder of coarse-grained, reedmergnerite-bearing pegmatite in the moraine of the Dara-i-Pioz glacier, Alai mountain ridge, Tien-Shan Mountains, northern Tajikistan. If you start seeing shibkovite, nordite-, leucophanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: irregular grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify moskvinite-(y)?+
Where is moskvinite-(y) found?+
What rocks look like moskvinite-(y)?+
What minerals are found with moskvinite-(y)?+
What kind of rock does moskvinite-(y) form in?+
What is moskvinite-(y) used for?+
Find moskvinite-(y) on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
