Terskite is a rare zirconium silicate mineral discovered in the alkaline massifs of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as pink tabular crystals or fine-grained masses and is most often associated with eudialyte-bearing rocks.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Terskite

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this terskite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch terskite with a known reference. Terskite sits at Mohs 5-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Terskite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Terskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, reddish-pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

Terskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Terskite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Terskite leaves white, Zakharovite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Terskite and pearly on Zakharovite.

Compare →

Often found alongside terskite

Minerals reported to co-occur with terskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₄ZrSi₆O₁₆·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 2.36 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Reddish-pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find terskite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where terskite typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify terskite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, reddish-pink.

Where is terskite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is terskite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like terskite?+

Terskite is most often confused with Eudialyte, Zakharovite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with terskite?+

Terskite commonly co-occurs with Eudialyte, Aegirine, Nepheline, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does terskite form in?+

Terskite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is terskite used for?+

Terskite is used in collector.

Find terskite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.