Shlykovite is a rare potassium-calcium silicate mineral primarily found in hyperalkaline pegmatites. It typically forms thin, transparent, tabular crystals that can be difficult to distinguish from associated apophyllite group members without analytical testing.
Is this shlykovite?
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 shlykovite with a known reference. Shlykovite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shlykovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Shlykovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.
Often confused with
Shlykovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside shlykovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with shlykovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KCa[Si₄O₉(OH)]·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.19 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find shlykovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where shlykovite typically forms. If you start seeing kvanefjeldite, apophyllite, analcime in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find shlykovite on the map
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