Tsaregorodtsevite is a rare nitrogen-bearing framework silicate originally discovered in the Prepolar Urals. It typically forms clear, glassy prismatic crystals in hydrothermal veins, often occurring alongside quartz and brookite. It is highly sought after by mineralogists due to its unique composition involving tetramethylammonium cations.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareSodalite Group family

Tsaregorodtsevite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this tsaregorodtsevite?

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 tsaregorodtsevite with a known reference. Tsaregorodtsevite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, yellow, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Quartz

Mohs 7

How to tell apart: Quartz is the harder of the two (Mohs 7 vs. 6).

Often found alongside tsaregorodtsevite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (N(CH₃)₄)Si₄(SiAl)O₁₂
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 2.04 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless Yellow White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Prismatic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In friable material filling tectonic fractures in muscovite-chlorite schist

Where rockhounds find tsaregorodtsevite

Classic worldwide localities

Mt. Yaruta, Man'-Khambo Mountains, Khanty Mansiysk region, Northern Ural Mountains, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In friable material filling tectonic fractures in muscovite-chlorite schist. If you start seeing chlorite, quartz, anatase in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tsaregorodtsevite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, yellow, white.

Where is tsaregorodtsevite found?+

Notable localities include Mt. Yaruta, Man'-Khambo Mountains, Khanty Mansiysk region, Northern Ural Mountains, Russia.

What rocks look like tsaregorodtsevite?+

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

What minerals are found with tsaregorodtsevite?+

Tsaregorodtsevite commonly co-occurs with Chlorite, Quartz, Anatase, Brookite, Rutile, Monazite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tsaregorodtsevite form in?+

Where it forms: In friable material filling tectonic fractures in muscovite-chlorite schist. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tsaregorodtsevite used for?+

Tsaregorodtsevite is used in collector.

Find tsaregorodtsevite on the map

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