Shibkovite is a rare scandium-zirconium silicate found in alkaline pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, clear, hexagonal prismatic crystals that are highly sought after by advanced collectors of rare minerals.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareMilarite-Osumilite Group family

Shibkovite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this shibkovite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch shibkovite with a known reference. Shibkovite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shibkovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shibkovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Shibkovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside shibkovite

Minerals reported to co-occur with shibkovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: K□(Sc₂Zr)Si₁₂O₃₀
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.68 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find shibkovite

Classic worldwide localities

Darai-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where shibkovite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify shibkovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is shibkovite found?+

Notable localities include Darai-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan.

How much is shibkovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like shibkovite?+

Shibkovite is most often confused with Milarite, Osumilite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with shibkovite?+

Shibkovite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Aegirine, Pyrochlore. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shibkovite form in?+

Shibkovite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is shibkovite used for?+

Shibkovite is used in collector.

Find shibkovite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.