Voloshinite is a rare lithium-bearing mica characterized by its platy, micaceous habit and distinctive yellowish-brown color. It is primarily found in specialized pegmatitic environments where complex mineral crystallization occurs. Collectors value it for its limited locality and its position within the mica mineral series.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareMica Group family

Voloshinite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this voloshinite?

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 voloshinite with a known reference. Voloshinite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Voloshinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Voloshinite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside voloshinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KLiAl(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find voloshinite

Classic worldwide localities

Voloshinovka, Ukraine

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites country — that is the host setting where voloshinite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify voloshinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown.

Where is voloshinite found?+

Notable localities include Voloshinovka, Ukraine.

How much is voloshinite 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 voloshinite?+

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

What minerals are found with voloshinite?+

Voloshinite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does voloshinite form in?+

Voloshinite typically forms in pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is voloshinite used for?+

Voloshinite is used in collector.

Find voloshinite on the map

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