Tsepinite-Sr is a rare member of the labuntsovite group typically found in alkaline igneous pegmatites. It forms small, prismatic to acicular crystals often grouped in radial or fan-like aggregates, and is primarily sought by advanced mineral collectors of complex silicates.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareLabuntsovite Group family

Tsepinite-Sr

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this tsepinite-sr?

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 tsepinite-sr with a known reference. Tsepinite-Sr sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tsepinite-Sr leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tsepinite-Sr typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside tsepinite-sr

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Sr,Ba,Na,K,H₂O)₄(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(O,OH,H₂O)₈·5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.85 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tsepinite-sr

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where tsepinite-sr typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tsepinite-sr?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, white, colorless.

Where is tsepinite-sr found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Russia.

How much is tsepinite-sr 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 tsepinite-sr?+

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

What minerals are found with tsepinite-sr?+

Tsepinite-Sr commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Microcline, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tsepinite-sr form in?+

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

What is tsepinite-sr used for?+

Tsepinite-Sr is used in collector.

Find tsepinite-sr on the map

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