Kolskyite is a rare sodium calcium titanium silicate primarily found in the hyperalkaline complexes of the Kola Peninsula. It typically occurs as pinkish yellow, platy tabular crystals embedded within pegmatite matrices, often requiring careful microscopic identification due to its close relationship with the lomonosovite group.
Is this kolskyite?
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 kolskyite with a known reference. Kolskyite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kolskyite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kolskyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pinkish yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.
Often confused with
Kolskyite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kolskyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kolskyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂CaTi₄(Si₂O₇)₂O₄(H₂O)₇
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 2.51 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Specifically Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find kolskyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, specifically pegmatites country, the host setting where kolskyite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, microcline, aegirine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kolskyite?+
Where is kolskyite found?+
What rocks look like kolskyite?+
What minerals are found with kolskyite?+
What kind of rock does kolskyite form in?+
What is kolskyite used for?+
Find kolskyite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
