Tsepinite-Na is a rare silicate mineral belonging to the labuntsovite group, typically occurring as small, yellowish-brown prismatic crystals. It is primarily found in complex alkaline igneous environments and is highly prized by systematic mineral collectors due to its unique chemical composition and crystallography.
Is this tsepinite-na?
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 tsepinite-na with a known reference. Tsepinite-Na sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tsepinite-Na leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tsepinite-Na typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often found alongside tsepinite-na
Minerals reported to co-occur with tsepinite-na. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,K,H₂O,□)₄(Ti,Nb)₂(Si₄O₁₂)(O,OH)₂·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.85 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail specimen
Where rockhounds find tsepinite-na
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where tsepinite-na typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline 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
How do you identify tsepinite-na?+
Where is tsepinite-na found?+
How much is tsepinite-na worth?+
What minerals are found with tsepinite-na?+
What kind of rock does tsepinite-na form in?+
What is tsepinite-na used for?+
Find tsepinite-na on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
