Vigrishinite is an extremely rare zinc-bearing silicate mineral found in the alkaline pegmatites of the Lovozero Massif in Russia. It typically occurs as small, delicate platy crystals or granular masses associated with other rare alkaline accessory minerals. Because of its extreme scarcity, it is rarely seen outside of professional mineralogical collections.
Is this vigrishinite?
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 vigrishinite with a known reference. Vigrishinite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vigrishinite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vigrishinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Vigrishinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside vigrishinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vigrishinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Zn,Li,Mn,◻)₂(Si,Be)₂O₅·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 2.2-2.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find vigrishinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where vigrishinite typically forms. If you start seeing steenstrupine-(ce), chkalovite, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find vigrishinite on the map
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