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.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareLabuntsovite Group family

Shkatulkalite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this shkatulkalite?

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 shkatulkalite with a known reference. Shkatulkalite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shkatulkalite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shkatulkalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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
Colors: Yellow Brown Yellowish-brown
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, 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?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, yellowish-brown.

Where is shkatulkalite found?+

Notable localities include Mount Alluaiv, Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is shkatulkalite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like shkatulkalite?+

Shkatulkalite is most often confused with Nenadkevichite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with shkatulkalite?+

Shkatulkalite commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Aegirine, Eudialyte, Nepheline, Lomonosovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shkatulkalite form in?+

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

What is shkatulkalite used for?+

Shkatulkalite is used in collector.

Find shkatulkalite on the map

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