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 — Terskite leaves white, Zakharovite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Terskite and pearly on Zakharovite.

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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 — that is 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.