Tuliokite is an exceptionally rare thorium-bearing carbonate mineral primarily known from the Khibiny alkaline massif in Russia. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white tabular crystals or aggregates within pegmatites. Due to its thorium content, it is radioactive and primarily sought after by specialist collectors of rare earth and radioactive minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Tuliokite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this tuliokite?

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 tuliokite with a known reference. Tuliokite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tuliokite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tuliokite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Natrite

Mohs 1-1.5

How to tell apart: Tuliokite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1-1.5).

Often found alongside tuliokite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₆BaTh(CO₃)₅·6H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.23 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find tuliokite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Russia
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify tuliokite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellowish.

Where is tuliokite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Russia; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is tuliokite 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.

Is tuliokite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains thorium, which is radioactive. Handle with gloves, minimize skin contact, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Store in a shielded container away from living spaces. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tuliokite?+

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

What minerals are found with tuliokite?+

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

What kind of rock does tuliokite form in?+

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

What is tuliokite used for?+

Tuliokite is used in collector.

Find tuliokite on the map

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