Nikmelnikovite is a rare titanium-rich member of the garnet group, specifically a silicate with iron and titanium. It is typically found in alkaline igneous complexes as dark, sub-metallic to vitreous crystals associated with other titanium-bearing minerals.
Is this nikmelnikovite?
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 nikmelnikovite with a known reference. Nikmelnikovite sits at Mohs 6.5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brownish.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Nikmelnikovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nikmelnikovite leaves brownish, Andradite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Nikmelnikovite and adamantine to resinous, dull on Andradite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Nikmelnikovite leaves brownish, Schorlomite leaves grayish black to red-orange or orange-brown.
Often found alongside nikmelnikovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with nikmelnikovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₁₂FeFe₃Al₃(SiO₄)₆(OH)₂₀
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7
- Density
- 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Dodecahedral crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- alkaline igneous rocks
Where rockhounds find nikmelnikovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: alkaline igneous rocks. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, titanite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify nikmelnikovite?+
Where is nikmelnikovite found?+
What rocks look like nikmelnikovite?+
What minerals are found with nikmelnikovite?+
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What is nikmelnikovite used for?+
Find nikmelnikovite on the map
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