Tiettaite is a rare borosilicate mineral found almost exclusively in the alkaline rock complexes of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as yellowish or brownish massive aggregates within pegmatite veins associated with other rare alkaline minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Tiettaite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this tiettaite?

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 tiettaite with a known reference. Tiettaite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tiettaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tiettaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside tiettaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₁₇Si₁₆B₈O₄₃(OH,F)₉·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.41 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 for micro-mounts or small specimens

Where rockhounds find tiettaite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where tiettaite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, khibinskite, natrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tiettaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is tiettaite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is tiettaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 for micro-mounts or small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like tiettaite?+

Tiettaite is most often confused with Searlesite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tiettaite?+

Tiettaite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Khibinskite, Natrolite, Lomonosovite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tiettaite form in?+

Tiettaite typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tiettaite used for?+

Tiettaite is used in collector.

Find tiettaite on the map

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