Punkaruaivite is a rare member of the labuntsovite group found primarily in the agpaitic rocks of the Lovozero Massif. It typically occurs as small, pale yellow prismatic crystals or radial sprays within alkaline pegmatite cavities. Because it is highly localized, collectors prize it as a rare species within the broader labuntsovite mineral series.
Is this punkaruaivite?
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 punkaruaivite with a known reference. Punkaruaivite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Punkaruaivite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Punkaruaivite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, pale brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic to acicular crystals often in radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Punkaruaivite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside punkaruaivite
Minerals reported to co-occur with punkaruaivite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂TiNb₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(O,OH)₄·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.98 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to Acicular Crystals Often in Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find punkaruaivite
Classic worldwide localities
- Punkaruaiv Mountain, Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where punkaruaivite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic to acicular crystals often in radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify punkaruaivite?+
Where is punkaruaivite found?+
How much is punkaruaivite worth?+
What rocks look like punkaruaivite?+
What minerals are found with punkaruaivite?+
What kind of rock does punkaruaivite form in?+
What is punkaruaivite used for?+
Find punkaruaivite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
