Sitinakite is a rare titanium-bearing silicate mineral found in alkaline rock environments. It typically forms as small, clear, tabular crystals and is primarily known from the unique hyper-alkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif in Russia.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Sitinakite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this sitinakite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Narsarsukite

Mohs 7

How to tell apart: Narsarsukite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7 vs. 3-4).

Compare →

Often found alongside sitinakite

Minerals reported to co-occur with sitinakite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂Ti₂Si₂O₉·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find sitinakite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous pegmatites country — that is the host setting where sitinakite typically forms. If you start seeing kalsilite, nepheline, aegirine 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 sitinakite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is sitinakite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is sitinakite 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 sitinakite?+

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

What minerals are found with sitinakite?+

Sitinakite commonly co-occurs with Kalsilite, Nepheline, Aegirine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does sitinakite form in?+

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

What is sitinakite used for?+

Sitinakite is used in collector.

Find sitinakite on the map

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