Orlovite is a very rare potassium-lithium-titanium mica mineral primarily found in the Murun Massif in Siberia. It typically occurs as small, pale, platy crystals within alkaline igneous rock environments and is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareMica Group family

Orlovite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this orlovite?

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 orlovite with a known reference. Orlovite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Orlovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Orlovite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, pale yellow, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside orlovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KLi₂TiSi₄O₁₀(F,OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 3.1-3.2 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Pale Yellow White
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find orlovite

Classic worldwide localities

Murun Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where orlovite typically forms. If you start seeing potassium feldspar, aegirine, tinaksite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify orlovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, pale yellow, white.

Where is orlovite found?+

Notable localities include Murun Massif, Russia.

How much is orlovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like orlovite?+

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

What minerals are found with orlovite?+

Orlovite commonly co-occurs with Potassium feldspar, Aegirine, Tinaksite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does orlovite form in?+

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

What is orlovite used for?+

Orlovite is used in collector.

Find orlovite on the map

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