Sobolevite is an extremely rare silicate mineral found in the hyper-alkaline environments of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals or granular masses within highly evolved pegmatitic pockets alongside complex accessory minerals.
Is this sobolevite?
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 sobolevite with a known reference. Sobolevite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sobolevite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sobolevite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Sobolevite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sobolevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sobolevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₁₄Ca₂MgMnTi₂Si₈O₃₄F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Good On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- expensive for rare mineral species
Where rockhounds find sobolevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where sobolevite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find sobolevite on the map
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