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.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Brownish

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Nikmelnikovite

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Brownish
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this nikmelnikovite?

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 nikmelnikovite with a known reference. Nikmelnikovite sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Nikmelnikovite leaves a brownish streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Nikmelnikovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Andradite

Mohs 6.5-7.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nikmelnikovite leaves brownish, Andradite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Nikmelnikovite leaves brownish, Schorlomite leaves white.

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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: Ca₃Fe₂Si₃O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 3.8-3.9 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Black
Streak: Brownish
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find nikmelnikovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where nikmelnikovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, titanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify nikmelnikovite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is brownish. Common colors include dark brown, black.

Where is nikmelnikovite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is nikmelnikovite 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 nikmelnikovite?+

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

What minerals are found with nikmelnikovite?+

Nikmelnikovite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Titanite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does nikmelnikovite form in?+

Nikmelnikovite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is nikmelnikovite used for?+

Nikmelnikovite is used in collector.

Find nikmelnikovite on the map

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