Telyushenkoite is a rare member of the eudialyte group found primarily in the alkaline massifs of the Kola Peninsula. It typically appears as yellowish or brownish crystals within pegmatitic rocks and is prized by collectors for its unique mineralogical composition. It is best identified through lab analysis due to its visual similarity to other complex silicates in the eudialyte group.
Is this telyushenkoite?
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 telyushenkoite with a known reference. Telyushenkoite 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. Telyushenkoite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Telyushenkoite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: equant to tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Telyushenkoite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside telyushenkoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with telyushenkoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Sr₃Ca₃Fe³⁺ZrSi₉O₂₄(O,OH,H₂O)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.88 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Equant to Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find telyushenkoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where telyushenkoite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify telyushenkoite?+
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How much is telyushenkoite worth?+
What rocks look like telyushenkoite?+
What minerals are found with telyushenkoite?+
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Find telyushenkoite on the map
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