Turkestanite is a rare thorium-bearing silicate mineral belonging to the steacyite group. It is typically found in alkaline pegmatites as small, yellow to brownish-yellow tabular crystals and is known primarily for its radioactivity due to its thorium content.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSteacyite Group family

Turkestanite

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

No image

Is this turkestanite?

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 turkestanite with a known reference. Turkestanite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Turkestanite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Turkestanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Turkestanite leaves white, Allanite leaves gray; luster reads vitreous on Turkestanite and submetallic on Allanite.

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Often found alongside turkestanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K(Th,Ca)Si₄O₁₀
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.95 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and provenance

Where rockhounds find turkestanite

Classic worldwide localities

Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where turkestanite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify turkestanite?+

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

Where is turkestanite found?+

Notable localities include Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is turkestanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and provenance. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is turkestanite safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. Contains thorium, which is radioactive. Handle with caution, limit handling time, and store in a sealed container away from living areas. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like turkestanite?+

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

What minerals are found with turkestanite?+

Turkestanite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Aegirine, Pyrochlore, Stillwellite-(Ce). Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does turkestanite form in?+

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

What is turkestanite used for?+

Turkestanite is used in collector.

Find turkestanite on the map

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