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 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shcherbakovite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Shcherbakovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: reddish-brown, brown, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, irregular grains.
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 5-6 vs. 3); streak differs — Shcherbakovite leaves yellowish-white, Astrophyllite leaves golden-brown; luster reads vitreous on Shcherbakovite and submetallic on Astrophyllite.
How to tell apart: Shcherbakovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-6 vs. 2-3); streak differs — Shcherbakovite leaves yellowish-white, Lamprophyllite leaves white.
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
- K₂NaTi₂Si₄O₁₂OH
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.23 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Irregular Grains
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites, Nepheline Syenites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find shcherbakovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites, nepheline syenites country — that is the host setting where shcherbakovite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, irregular grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find shcherbakovite on the map
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