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 6.5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous, slightly greasy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: intergrown crystals.
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
- SrB₂Si₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7
- Density
- 3.35 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous, slightly greasy
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Intergrown crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Within a block of quartz in the moraine of the Dara-i-Pioz glacier, Alai mountain range, Tien Shan, northern Tajikistan
Where rockhounds find pekovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dara-i-Pioz glacier, Alai mountain range, Tien Shan, northern Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Within a block of quartz in the moraine of the Dara-i-Pioz glacier, Alai mountain range, Tien Shan, northern Tajikistan. If you start seeing intergrown with pectolite, highly strontian fluorite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: intergrown crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pekovite?+
Where is pekovite found?+
What rocks look like pekovite?+
What minerals are found with pekovite?+
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Find pekovite on the map
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