Voronkovite is a very rare silicate mineral found in the highly alkaline rocks of the Lovozero Massif in Russia. It typically occurs as small, pseudo-hexagonal tabular crystals associated with other rare-earth and zirconium-bearing minerals in pegmatitic veins.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareLovozerite Group family

Voronkovite

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

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Is this voronkovite?

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 voronkovite with a known reference. Voronkovite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Voronkovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Voronkovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale pink.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: pseudo-hexagonal tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside voronkovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₄(Na,Mn)₃CaFe³⁺ZrSi₆O₁₈(OH,O)₃
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 2.68 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Pink
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Pseudo-hexagonal Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None Observed
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500 depending on specimen size and clarity

Where rockhounds find voronkovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where voronkovite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudo-hexagonal tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify voronkovite?+

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

Where is voronkovite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is voronkovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 depending on specimen size and clarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like voronkovite?+

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

What minerals are found with voronkovite?+

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

What kind of rock does voronkovite form in?+

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

What is voronkovite used for?+

Voronkovite is used in collector.

Find voronkovite on the map

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