Shuvalovite is a rare potassium calcium sodium sulfate, typically colorless. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2014. It was first described from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Shuvalovite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this shuvalovite?

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 shuvalovite with a known reference. Shuvalovite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shuvalovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shuvalovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

Shuvalovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Wollastonite

Mohs 4.5-5

How to tell apart: Wollastonite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 2.5).

How to tell apart: Pectolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5-5 vs. 2.5); luster reads vitreous on Shuvalovite and vitreous to silky on Pectolite.

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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: K₂(Ca₂Na)(SO₄)₃F
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.641 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites

Where rockhounds find shuvalovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country, 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

How do you identify shuvalovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless.

Where is shuvalovite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like shuvalovite?+

Shuvalovite is most often confused with Wollastonite, Pectolite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with shuvalovite?+

Shuvalovite commonly co-occurs with aegirine, nepheline, microcline, eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shuvalovite form in?+

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

What is shuvalovite used for?+

Shuvalovite is used in collector.

Find shuvalovite on the map

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