Neskevaaraite-Fe is a very rare member of the labuntsovite group typically found in alkaline pegmatites on the Kola Peninsula. It occurs as small, yellow to brown prismatic crystals and is primarily sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this neskevaaraite-fe?
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 neskevaaraite-fe with a known reference. Neskevaaraite-Fe 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. Neskevaaraite-Fe leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Neskevaaraite-Fe typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often found alongside neskevaaraite-fe
Minerals reported to co-occur with neskevaaraite-fe. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,K,Ca)₂(Fe³⁺,Mg,Mn)₂(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(O,OH)₄·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find neskevaaraite-fe
Classic worldwide localities
- Neskevaara, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where neskevaaraite-fe typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.




