Golyshevite is a very rare member of the eudialyte group primarily found in alkaline igneous complexes. It typically presents as small rhombohedral crystals embedded within nepheline-rich pegmatites and is distinguished from other group members through advanced chemical analysis.
Is this golyshevite?
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 golyshevite with a known reference. Golyshevite 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. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.
Often confused with
Golyshevite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside golyshevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with golyshevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₁₀Ca₉Zr₃Fe₂SiNb(Si₃O₉)₂(Si₉O₂₇)₂(OH)₃(CO₃)·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 2.89 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Rhombohedral crystals
- Cleavage
- Imperfect on {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a calcium-rich peralkaline pegmatite
Where rockhounds find golyshevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a calcium-rich peralkaline pegmatite. If you start seeing cancrinite, aegirine-augite, hedenbergite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify golyshevite?+
Where is golyshevite found?+
What rocks look like golyshevite?+
What minerals are found with golyshevite?+
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Find golyshevite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
