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.
Is this tsaregorodtsevite?
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 tsaregorodtsevite with a known reference. Tsaregorodtsevite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tsaregorodtsevite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tsaregorodtsevite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Tsaregorodtsevite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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)₄Si₂(AlSi₃)O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find tsaregorodtsevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Prepolar Urals, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where tsaregorodtsevite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, brookite, anatase in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find tsaregorodtsevite on the map
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