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 — that is 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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