Strakhovite is an exceptionally rare silicate mineral discovered in alkaline pegmatites of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as small, pale yellow tabular crystals and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors due to its very limited global occurrence.
Is this strakhovite?
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 strakhovite with a known reference. Strakhovite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Strakhovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Strakhovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often found alongside strakhovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with strakhovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaBa₂Mn₂Si₄O₁₂OHF₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find strakhovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where strakhovite typically forms. If you start seeing pectolite, aegirine, 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
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Find strakhovite on the map
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