Zeravshanite is a rare cyclosilicate mineral primarily found in the Dara-i-Pioz alkaline massif of Tajikistan. It typically occurs as small, clear to white tabular crystals within pegmatite veins and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its unique structure and restricted locality.
Is this zeravshanite?
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 zeravshanite with a known reference. Zeravshanite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zeravshanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zeravshanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Zeravshanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside zeravshanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zeravshanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄Zr₃Si₁₂O₃₀·n(H₂O)
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 2.71 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find zeravshanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dara-i-Pioz Glacier, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where zeravshanite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify zeravshanite?+
Where is zeravshanite found?+
How much is zeravshanite worth?+
What rocks look like zeravshanite?+
What minerals are found with zeravshanite?+
What kind of rock does zeravshanite form in?+
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Find zeravshanite on the map
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