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, 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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