Shuvalovite is an exceptionally rare silicate mineral known primarily from the alkaline massifs of the Kola Peninsula in Russia. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals within pegmatite pockets, often requiring microscopic examination for positive identification. It is highly prized by advanced systematic mineral collectors due to its restricted type locality and limited occurrence.
Is this shuvalovite?
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 shuvalovite with a known reference. Shuvalovite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shuvalovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Shuvalovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Shuvalovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside shuvalovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with shuvalovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Ca₂Si₂O₇
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.71 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find shuvalovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where shuvalovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find shuvalovite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
