Vlasovite is a rare zirconium silicate mineral primarily found in alkaline igneous massifs. Collectors prize it for its distinct orange fluorescence under long-wave ultraviolet light, which helps distinguish it from more common associated minerals.
Is this vlasovite?
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 vlasovite with a known reference. Vlasovite sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vlasovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Vlasovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Vlasovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside vlasovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vlasovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂ZrSi₄O₁₁
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 2.98 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {100}
- Fluorescence
- Strong Orange Under LW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Syenite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find vlasovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Lovozero Massif, Russia
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Tundrovoye pegmatite, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where vlasovite typically forms. If you start seeing eudialyte, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find vlasovite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
