Pekovite is an extremely rare member of the eudialyte group found primarily in the agpaitic pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif. It typically forms colorless to white equant crystals and is best identified through micro-analytical methods due to its visual similarity to other complex silicates in alkaline suites.
Is this pekovite?
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 pekovite with a known reference. Pekovite 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. Pekovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pekovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: equant to tabular crystals, often as rounded grains.
Often confused with
Pekovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside pekovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pekovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Sr₃ZrSi₂O₇(OH,Cl,F)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant to Tabular Crystals, Often as Rounded Grains
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Agpaitic Pegmatites in Alkaline Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find pekovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in agpaitic pegmatites in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where pekovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, lomonosovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to tabular crystals, often as rounded grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find pekovite on the map
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