Rastsvetaevite is a rare member of the eudialyte group found in hyper-alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small, reddish-pink massive grains associated with other rare-earth-bearing silicate minerals. Collectors identify it through its structural similarity to eudialyte, often requiring X-ray diffraction or microprobe analysis to confirm its identity.
Is this rastsvetaevite?
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 rastsvetaevite with a known reference. Rastsvetaevite 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. Rastsvetaevite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rastsvetaevite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: equant grains, anhedral crystals.
Often confused with
Rastsvetaevite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside rastsvetaevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rastsvetaevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂₇K₈Ca₁₂Fe₃Zr₆Si₅₂O₁₄₄(OH,H₂O)₆Cl₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.88 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant Grains, Anhedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Mineralogical Study
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites, Agpaitic Syenites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find rastsvetaevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites, agpaitic syenites country, the host setting where rastsvetaevite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant grains, anhedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rastsvetaevite?+
Where is rastsvetaevite found?+
How much is rastsvetaevite worth?+
What rocks look like rastsvetaevite?+
What minerals are found with rastsvetaevite?+
What kind of rock does rastsvetaevite form in?+
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Find rastsvetaevite on the map
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