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 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, silvery white, light pink, creamy, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: micaceous, tabular.
Often confused with
Shkatulkalite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Labuntsovite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 3); luster reads pearly on Shkatulkalite and greasy on Labuntsovite.
How to tell apart: Nenadkevichite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 3); luster reads pearly on Shkatulkalite and vitreous to dull on Nenadkevichite.
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
- 3
- Density
- 2.7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Micaceous, tabular
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}; perfect on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In hyperagpaitic pegmatites
Where rockhounds find shkatulkalite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Alluaiv in the northwestern part of the Lovozero Alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In hyperagpaitic pegmatites. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: micaceous, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify shkatulkalite?+
Where is shkatulkalite found?+
What rocks look like shkatulkalite?+
What minerals are found with shkatulkalite?+
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Find shkatulkalite on the map
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