Shirokshinite is a rare mica mineral found primarily in alkaline igneous massifs. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white platy crystals and is characterized by its distinct chemical composition involving titanium and sodium.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareMica Group family

Shirokshinite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this shirokshinite?

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 shirokshinite with a known reference. Shirokshinite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shirokshinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shirokshinite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: lamellar to platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside shirokshinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KNa₂Mg₄TiSi₄O₁₂F₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Lamellar to Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-200 per specimen

Where rockhounds find shirokshinite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where shirokshinite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, kalsilite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar to platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify shirokshinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is shirokshinite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is shirokshinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-200 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like shirokshinite?+

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

What minerals are found with shirokshinite?+

Shirokshinite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Aegirine, Kalsilite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shirokshinite form in?+

Shirokshinite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is shirokshinite used for?+

Shirokshinite is used in collector.

Find shirokshinite on the map

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