Nalivkinite is a rare lithium-bearing mica species often found in granitic pegmatites. Collectors should look for its characteristic platy, micaceous habit that resembles lepidolite but displays distinct chemical properties.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareMica Group family

Nalivkinite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this nalivkinite?

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 nalivkinite with a known reference. Nalivkinite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nalivkinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nalivkinite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous masses.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside nalivkinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KLi₂Al(Si₄O₁₀)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Micaceous Masses
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-100 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find nalivkinite

Classic worldwide localities

Kazakhstan
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites country — that is the host setting where nalivkinite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nalivkinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is nalivkinite found?+

Notable localities include Kazakhstan; Russia.

How much is nalivkinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like nalivkinite?+

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

What minerals are found with nalivkinite?+

Nalivkinite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nalivkinite form in?+

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

What is nalivkinite used for?+

Nalivkinite is used in collector.

Find nalivkinite on the map

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