Shkatulkalite is a rare member of the labuntsovite group typically found as thin, tabular, yellowish-brown crystals. It occurs primarily in the hyperalkaline pegmatites of the Lovozero Massif in Russia. It is best identified by its association with other complex titanium-silicate minerals in alkaline complexes.
Is this shkatulkalite?
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 shkatulkalite with a known reference. Shkatulkalite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shkatulkalite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Shkatulkalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy aggregates.
Often confused with
Shkatulkalite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside shkatulkalite
Minerals reported to co-occur with shkatulkalite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₁₀Nb₂TiSi₄O₁₄(OH,F)₄·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Platy Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hyperalkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find shkatulkalite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Alluaiv, Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hyperalkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where shkatulkalite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify shkatulkalite?+
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How much is shkatulkalite worth?+
What rocks look like shkatulkalite?+
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Find shkatulkalite on the map
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