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 — that is 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.