Nefedovite is a rare phosphate mineral found primarily in the hyperalkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small, colorless to pale yellow tabular crystals associated with other rare alkaline minerals like eudialyte and aegirine.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Nefedovite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this nefedovite?

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 nefedovite with a known reference. Nefedovite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nefedovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nefedovite 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: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Apatite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Apatite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside nefedovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₅Ca₄(PO₄)₄F
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.81 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect On {001}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nefedovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mount Yukspor, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where nefedovite typically forms. If you start seeing apatite, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nefedovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is nefedovite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mount Yukspor, Russia.

How much is nefedovite 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 nefedovite?+

Nefedovite is most often confused with Apatite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with nefedovite?+

Nefedovite commonly co-occurs with Apatite, Nepheline, Microcline, Aegirine, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nefedovite form in?+

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

What is nefedovite used for?+

Nefedovite is used in collector.

Find nefedovite on the map

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