Sokolovaite is an extremely rare cesium-lithium mica first described from the Dara-i-Pioz alkaline massif. It typically occurs as small, delicate platy crystals embedded within pegmatite matrices alongside rare silicates.
Is this sokolovaite?
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 sokolovaite with a known reference. Sokolovaite 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. Sokolovaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sokolovaite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pinkish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, micaceous masses.
Often confused with
Sokolovaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sokolovaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sokolovaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CsLi₂AlSi₄O₁₀F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.78 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Micaceous Masses
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and clarity
Where rockhounds find sokolovaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where sokolovaite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, micaceous masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify sokolovaite?+
Where is sokolovaite found?+
How much is sokolovaite worth?+
What rocks look like sokolovaite?+
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Find sokolovaite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
