Yuksporite is a complex silicate mineral typically found as fibrous or bladed radiating clusters with a distinctive pearly luster. It is highly sought after by collectors specializing in alkaline massifs, particularly from its type locality on the Kola Peninsula.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Yuksporite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this yuksporite?

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 yuksporite with a known reference. Yuksporite 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. Yuksporite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Yuksporite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, red, brown, yellowish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous, radiating aggregates, bladed.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pectolite

Mohs 4.5-5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Yuksporite and vitreous to silky on Pectolite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Yuksporite and vitreous on Wollastonite.

Compare →

Often found alongside yuksporite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (K,Ba,Na)₃(Ca,Na)₄(Si,Al)₈O₂₀(OH,F)₄
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.04 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Red Brown Yellowish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Fibrous, Radiating Aggregates, Bladed
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Mineralogical Research
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Nepheline Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail to miniature specimens

Where rockhounds find yuksporite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenite pegmatites country, the host setting where yuksporite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, titanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, radiating aggregates, bladed habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify yuksporite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, red, brown, yellowish-brown.

Where is yuksporite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is yuksporite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail to miniature specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like yuksporite?+

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

What minerals are found with yuksporite?+

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

What kind of rock does yuksporite form in?+

Yuksporite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is yuksporite used for?+

Yuksporite is used in collector, mineralogical research.

Find yuksporite on the map

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