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

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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 — 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 — that is 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.