Shcherbakovite is a rare titanium-bearing silicate typically found as small, elongated prismatic crystals in highly alkaline igneous environments. It is most recognized by its brownish coloration and its occurrence within the unique mineralogical suites of the Kola Peninsula's pegmatites. Collectors look for its association with other rare alkaline minerals in matrix specimens.
Is this shcherbakovite?
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 shcherbakovite with a known reference. Shcherbakovite sits at Mohs 6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: rosey brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous, greasy on fracture surfaces.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: reddish brown, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic.
Often confused with
Shcherbakovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Shcherbakovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6.5 vs. 3); streak differs, so Shcherbakovite leaves rosey brown, Astrophyllite leaves golden; luster reads vitreous, greasy on fracture surfaces on Shcherbakovite and submetallic, pearly, greasy on Astrophyllite.
How to tell apart: Shcherbakovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6.5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Shcherbakovite leaves rosey brown, Lamprophyllite leaves pale yellow, may have an orange tint; luster reads vitreous, greasy on fracture surfaces on Shcherbakovite and submetallic on cleavages on Lamprophyllite.
Often found alongside shcherbakovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with shcherbakovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂NaTi₂(Si₄O₁₂)O(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 2.968 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Rosey brown
- Luster
- Vitreous, greasy on fracture surfaces
- Transparency
- Opaque, translucent on thin edges
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic
- Cleavage
- Two directions, observed microscopically, may be parting
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Very rare, in pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif as a hydrothermal pectolite-natrolite vein cutting leucite-normative kalsilite-nepheline rischorrite (Khibiny massif, Russia)
Where rockhounds find shcherbakovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Emmons Mesa, Zirkel Mesa, and Black Butte, Leucite Hills, Sweetwater Co., Wyoming, USA
- Mts. Rasvumchorr and Yukspor, Khibiny massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Wolgidee Hills, West Kimberley district, Western Australia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Very rare, in pegmatite in a differentiated alkalic massif as a hydrothermal pectolite-natrolite vein cutting leucite-normative kalsilite-nepheline rischorrite (Khibiny massif, Russia). If you start seeing natrolite, manganoan pectolite, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify shcherbakovite?+
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What rocks look like shcherbakovite?+
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Find shcherbakovite on the map
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