Strontiochevkinite is a rare member of the chevkinite group characterized by high strontium content and radioactive elements. Collectors typically find it as dark, opaque prismatic crystals within alkaline pegmatites or nepheline syenites.
Is this strontiochevkinite?
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 strontiochevkinite with a known reference. Strontiochevkinite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Strontiochevkinite leaves a brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Strontiochevkinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Strontiochevkinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Strontiochevkinite leaves brown, Chevkinite-(Ce) leaves white to light brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Strontiochevkinite leaves brown, Perrierite-(Ce) leaves light brown; luster reads vitreous on Strontiochevkinite and resinous on Perrierite-(Ce).
Often found alongside strontiochevkinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with strontiochevkinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Sr,Ce,Ca)₄Fe²⁺(Ti,Zr)₂Si₄O₂₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.5-4.7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find strontiochevkinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Yukon, Canada
- Southern Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where strontiochevkinite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, orthoclase in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify strontiochevkinite?+
Where is strontiochevkinite found?+
How much is strontiochevkinite worth?+
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What minerals are found with strontiochevkinite?+
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Find strontiochevkinite on the map
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