Lemmleinite-K is a rare mineral belonging to the labuntsovite group, typically found as small, colorless prismatic crystals. It is primarily identified within the alkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif in Russia, often associated with microcline and aegirine.
Is this lemmleinite-k?
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 lemmleinite-k with a known reference. Lemmleinite-K sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lemmleinite-K leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Lemmleinite-K typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Lemmleinite-K vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside lemmleinite-k
Minerals reported to co-occur with lemmleinite-k. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Na(Ti,Nb)₄(Si₄O₁₂)₂(OH,O)₄·5H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 2.83 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Radial Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Pegmatites
Where rockhounds find lemmleinite-k
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline pegmatites country, the host setting where lemmleinite-k typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, radial aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify lemmleinite-k?+
Where is lemmleinite-k found?+
What rocks look like lemmleinite-k?+
What minerals are found with lemmleinite-k?+
What kind of rock does lemmleinite-k form in?+
What is lemmleinite-k used for?+
Find lemmleinite-k on the map
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