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, 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.