Olekminskite is a rare strontium carbonate mineral primarily discovered in the Murun alkaline complex of Russia. It typically forms small tabular crystals or massive aggregates within alkaline pegmatites and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Olekminskite

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

No image

Is this olekminskite?

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 olekminskite with a known reference. Olekminskite 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. Olekminskite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Olekminskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Dresserite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Olekminskite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); luster reads vitreous on Olekminskite and pearly on Dresserite.

Often found alongside olekminskite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Sr(Sr,Ca)Al(CO₃)₄(OH)H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatite
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen quality and size

Where rockhounds find olekminskite

Classic worldwide localities

Murun Massif, Sakha Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatite country — that is the host setting where olekminskite typically forms. If you start seeing kalsilite, potassic-richterite, aegirine 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 olekminskite?+

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

Where is olekminskite found?+

Notable localities include Murun Massif, Sakha Republic, Russia.

How much is olekminskite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 depending on specimen quality and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like olekminskite?+

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

What minerals are found with olekminskite?+

Olekminskite commonly co-occurs with Kalsilite, Potassic-richterite, Aegirine, Barite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does olekminskite form in?+

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

What is olekminskite used for?+

Olekminskite is used in collector.

Find olekminskite on the map

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