Vinogradovite is a rare titanium-rich silicate mineral primarily found in hyperalkaline pegmatite complexes. It typically occurs as delicate, fibrous, or acicular spray-like crystals, often forming within cavities alongside other rare alkaline minerals.
Is this vinogradovite?
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 vinogradovite with a known reference. Vinogradovite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vinogradovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vinogradovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous, acicular, prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Vinogradovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside vinogradovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vinogradovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄Ti₄AlSi₈O₂₆(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.88-2.92 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Acicular, Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Specifically Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find vinogradovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, specifically pegmatites country — that is the host setting where vinogradovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, acicular, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify vinogradovite?+
Where is vinogradovite found?+
How much is vinogradovite worth?+
What rocks look like vinogradovite?+
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Find vinogradovite on the map
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