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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink.
- 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
- 2.86 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant grains, anhedral crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Mineralogical study
- Host rock
- In alkaline pegmatite in zоnes of late intense potassium metasomatism
Where rockhounds find rastsvetaevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Rasvumchorr, Khibiny alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In alkaline pegmatite in zоnes of late intense potassium metasomatism. If you start seeing nepheline, sodalite, potassium feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: equant grains, anhedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rastsvetaevite?+
Where is rastsvetaevite found?+
What rocks look like rastsvetaevite?+
What minerals are found with rastsvetaevite?+
What kind of rock does rastsvetaevite form in?+
What is rastsvetaevite used for?+
Find rastsvetaevite on the map
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