Vladimirivanovite is a rare member of the sodalite group known for its distinct bright blue fluorescence under UV light. It is primarily found in alkaline volcanic rocks and is sought after by mineral collectors for its unique structural properties.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareSodalite Group family

Vladimirivanovite

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

Is this vladimirivanovite?

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 vladimirivanovite with a known reference. Vladimirivanovite 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. Vladimirivanovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vladimirivanovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside vladimirivanovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,K,Ca)₆(Si₆Al₆O₂₄)(S,SO₄,Cl)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 2.42 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Fluorescence: Bright Blue Under UV Light
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Volcanic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find vladimirivanovite

Classic worldwide localities

Tary-Yurekh, Sakha Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where vladimirivanovite typically forms. If you start seeing kalsilite, nepheline, gonnardite 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 vladimirivanovite?+

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

Where is vladimirivanovite found?+

Notable localities include Tary-Yurekh, Sakha Republic, Russia.

How much is vladimirivanovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like vladimirivanovite?+

Vladimirivanovite is most often confused with Sodalite, Hauyne, Nosean. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with vladimirivanovite?+

Vladimirivanovite commonly co-occurs with Kalsilite, Nepheline, Gonnardite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vladimirivanovite form in?+

Vladimirivanovite typically forms in alkaline volcanic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vladimirivanovite used for?+

Vladimirivanovite is used in collector.

Find vladimirivanovite on the map

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