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, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish black, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular.
Often confused with
Strontiochevkinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Strontiochevkinite leaves brown, Chevkinite-(Ce) leaves black; luster reads submetallic on Strontiochevkinite and resinous to dull on Chevkinite-(Ce).
How to tell apart: Luster reads submetallic on Strontiochevkinite and resinous, lustrous to dull 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,La)₄Fe(Ti,Zr)₄O₈(Si₂O₇)₂
- Mohs hardness
- ~5
- Density
- 5.44 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the more mafic bands of fenite dikes formed radially around carbonatite plugs
Where rockhounds find strontiochevkinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sarambi carbonatite complex, about 27 km northeast of Sarambi, Paraguay
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the more mafic bands of fenite dikes formed radially around carbonatite plugs. If you start seeing sanidine, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify strontiochevkinite?+
Where is strontiochevkinite found?+
Is strontiochevkinite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like strontiochevkinite?+
What minerals are found with strontiochevkinite?+
What kind of rock does strontiochevkinite form in?+
What is strontiochevkinite used for?+
Find strontiochevkinite on the map
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