Vishnevite is a rare member of the cancrinite group often found in alkaline igneous complexes. It forms as prismatic crystals or granular masses and is visually very similar to its relative cancrinite, typically requiring chemical analysis for definitive identification.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareCancrinite Group family

Vishnevite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this vishnevite?

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 vishnevite with a known reference. Vishnevite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vishnevite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vishnevite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray, yellow, blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Vishnevite and vitreous to greasy on Nepheline.

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Often found alongside vishnevite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Ca,K)₈(AlSiO₄)₆(SO₄,CO₃)·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.29-2.31 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray Yellow Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Perfect Prismatic
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find vishnevite

Classic worldwide localities

Vishnevyye Mountains, Russia
Kola Peninsula, Russia
Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Eifel, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where vishnevite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, sodalite, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vishnevite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray, yellow, blue.

Where is vishnevite found?+

Notable localities include Vishnevyye Mountains, Russia; Kola Peninsula, Russia; Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada; Eifel, Germany.

How much is vishnevite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like vishnevite?+

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

What minerals are found with vishnevite?+

Vishnevite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Sodalite, Aegirine, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vishnevite form in?+

Vishnevite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vishnevite used for?+

Vishnevite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find vishnevite on the map

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