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 — that is 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
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