Svyatoslavite is a rare high-temperature polymorph of anorthite found primarily in the combustion zones of burning coal dumps. Collectors usually find it as small, thin, platy crystals occurring within the altered mineral assemblages of these anthropogenic environments.
Is this svyatoslavite?
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 svyatoslavite with a known reference. Svyatoslavite 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. Svyatoslavite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Svyatoslavite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.
Often confused with
Svyatoslavite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside svyatoslavite
Minerals reported to co-occur with svyatoslavite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaAl₂Si₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Coal Mine Fire Dumps
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find svyatoslavite
Classic worldwide localities
- Buskidy, Russia
- Kopeysk, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in coal mine fire dumps country — that is the host setting where svyatoslavite typically forms. If you start seeing anorthite, calcite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find svyatoslavite on the map
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