Papikeite is an extremely rare amphibole group mineral occurring in alkaline igneous complexes. It typically appears as dark prismatic crystals and requires sophisticated chemical analysis for definitive identification due to its similarity to other complex amphiboles.
Is this papikeite?
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 papikeite with a known reference. Papikeite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Papikeite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Papikeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Papikeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside papikeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with papikeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(NaMg₃Al₂)Si₆Al₂O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.38 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good in 2 Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 for specimen quality
Where rockhounds find papikeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where papikeite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline 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.
Common questions
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Find papikeite on the map
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